No way in double hockey sticks would I do that, and although I often look for the benign in what people say and do, I think that is crossing some line that every therapist should know is there. Sounds like "grooming" behavior and I can't quite get his intent about it. Is doing something that an abuser did to you supposed to be therapeutic? I think the whole point is to NOT do things that abusers do.

I know what you mean, or at least I have a version of it. My abuser used to put his arm around me and poke his fingers under my ribcage to keep me still and silent. It was incredibly painful and disconcerting and frightening. If my T suggested I do that to him-- and I have not touched him in any way, I would think he'd lost his mind.

I would consider switching therapists or at least asking for an explanation as to how this is supposed to be helpful to you. While you're at it, ask him if he's some kind of perv grooming you for his own type of abuse.