It is a good subject, sister! So many of us want that touch so much.

I did have a chance to hug my T once. A few months ago at the last session before her surgery, I asked if I could give her a hug. (How gracious and self-centered and sly of me.. I knew without a doubt that the hug was for me.) I was prepared for a No answer but she shocked me when she said "Sure". It felt so good to hug her and wish her well with her surgery, the details of which she didn't choose to disclose).

At a later session, I broght up again my desire to be comforted physically by her. I knew this was not part of therapy but was just talking of my desire and in truth would have jumped at the opportunity if she'd have offered. Instead she gently told me that if she felt it would be beneficial to me she would, but that in the long run she thought it would not be beneficial. I really liked that kind and gentle reply and let-down.

At an even later session, I asked her (one hand on the doorknob going out the door---so unfair to ask a question then!) if she would have allowed that hug if she had known of my desire to be physically comforted by her. She thought for a moment and said "Yes. It was appropriate for the moment.".