I remember the first time reading on PC when a therapist kissed her client on the forehead. It was so shocking for many. But for me, I wanted the same from my therapist; to kiss my forehead. I braved the rejection and asked, she acquiesced. We already had touch in my therapy, more than just a handshake or a hug, and after the kiss the psychotherapy frame did not shatter. We survived and therapy had a few less bumps. I believe that kiss on my forehead helped smooth the road to do better therapy. I also think the unconscious day to day memory helps me live my life now with a sense of safety and security. This is my experience only.

There is nothing in the ethics that speaks about this specifically; this childlike touch.

New Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions

It does speak about sexual relations. I am not of the mind to buy the slippery slope argument. I can understand many therapists are uncomfortable with this. Not all clients need it or want it or are most therapist willing to do this kind of touch. This certainly DOES NOT make the therapist unethical or boundary-less if they are acting AT ALL TIMES in the clients best interest. If they can justify therapeutically and the client benefits, so be it.

Six – eight years ago, the mention of touch on this forum was so taboo, and the words, "I love you," were the words of Satin that doomed clients to hell if their therapist said them. Members were told to pick up their petticoats and run as fast and far as they could. Not so much anymore.

I was trained to look at patterns. A common pattern I see in forums like this, are many clients (not all) that get these kind of needs met with in an "ethical frame" do not struggle within the therapeutic relationship as much and have a bit more reserve to get through the journey. Other clients spend a lot more time struggling with, "Do I matter to you, to someone."

Just my two-cents