i see so many people talk about touch or contact, our dear Soli wanting to be held as a parent holds a child, others wanting a hug, and some who recoil from the idea. It seems to be a hot topic all round. And of course, i am talking about nonerotic touch, we all know that sexual contact would be a bad idea no matter how much some may want that.
These were just twobooks i found right away... but in one of them there's an author who basically says that outside of an individual T's own intuitions there really isn't any answer within the profession... no guidelines based on research. i DON'T KNOW if that is true, it's just what she said. i'd be happy to see stuff that says the opposite.
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Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain. - Carl Jung
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Book:
http://Touch in Psychotherapy: Theor..., and Practice
Edward W. L. Smith
, Pauline Rose Clance
, Suzanne Imes
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As a therapist, do you ever shake hands with a client? Do you ever lightly touch a client's hand or shoulder as a conversational marker? What happens if you inadvertently touch a client? Nonerotic touch is a powerful form of communication, and research and clinical experience indicate that it can contribute to positive therapeutic change when used appropriately. This thoughtful book brings together experienced clinicians to review the research and to offer ethical, theoretical, and practical guidelines for using nonerotic touch in therapy settings. Featuring extensive clinical commentary and case examples, chapters address such topics as evaluating a client's desire to be touched, working with survivors of sexual abuse, the role of touch in regression and reparenting approaches, communicating with clients about the use of touch, and managing "touch errors."
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Book:
The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy
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Is ethical touch an oxymoron? Is the bias against touch in psychotherapy justified? Can the recovery process be complete without healing touch? Mental health professionals are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of providing appropriate treatment for clients in a safe environment that nurtures trust, a necessary ingredient for optimum movement through the therapeutic process. Though treatment approaches vary, most modalities are verbally based and, in theory, exclude physical contact. Fearing that any form of touch would likely lead to sexual feelings or interaction, clinicians tend to shy away from the topic. In The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy, however, authors Mic Hunter and Jim Struve skillfully demonstrate that touch--a most basic human need--is intrinsic to the healing process along with talk-therapy, regardless of the practitioner's theoretical orientation. While the use of touch is a given in other health care settings, it remains a benefit denied as taboo in psychotherapeutic relationships, due to transgressors whose unscrupulous use of a valuable technique have marred its reputation. This book encourages readers to conduct a meaningful self-reflection and explore possible misconceptions related to touch in order to rejuvenate its acceptance. Based on years of sound research and clinical experience, The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy promises to enrich clinical discussion and stimulate further empirical research. This insightful and progressive presentation is a must read for clinicians, interns, and advanced students, as well as lay readers interested in the dynamics and innovations in psychotherapy.
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my bend is that limited touch done in either casual, normal ways, like hand shaking, etc is good for some, and that other more meaningful touch can be helpful too if done constructively. But that's just me.
what do you all think? Anyone got books or papers that talk about the opposite?