Earthmama, I am glad that you are able to experience that safe physical contact with your T, and that it helps you.

My old T and I had physical contact. During or after trauma work she sometimes sat next to me and held my hand, and we usually hugged at the end of each session. Sitting next to each other was so gounding and so safe for me. I am glad she was able to do that.

For us it seemed natural and human. We were with that T for 8 years, and the bond was strong. If we started with another T I think it would take a long time for it to feel safe enough for physical contact, if it ever did. I think the appropriateness of physical touch in therapy depends on each unique therapeutic relationship. Some T's will touch, and some won't, and for some clients touch can be healing and useful, and for others it would not ever feel appropriate. I think touch in therapy can be a powerful healing tool as long as the boundaries of ethical behavior are never crossed.