[AnxiousandAlive124]

For those of you who have been hugged, when has your therapist initiated a hug or asked if she/he could give you one? During what situations is what I mean.

[WrkNPrgress]

The first hug I got from my Therapist was a few months in and it happened when she asked at the end of the session, "would you like a hug?" Sure. I'm a hugger so that's cool. I can't remember if that session was particularly emotional though I'm sure it probably was but she asked from across the room. She's never tried to hug me on her own initiative.

From that point forward, I initiate them though there are moments where it's pretty clear from body language when she's expecting one or not. Sometimes she's kinda standing there with her arms at her side, ready for a hug. Other times she's not standing up or just not in that position to give a hug. Sometimes I don't want one, either. We just play it by ear but if I want one, all I have to do is ask or initiate it. No big deal.

[musinglizzy]

At the end of session, just before I walk out the door.

[AllHeart]

When my therapist learned I have a terrible time hugging and touching others despite really wanting too, she asked if we could hug at session. Yes!! So we hug at both the beginning and end of every session, and sometimes in between, too.

[atisketatasket]

Two of them have asked or said they would like to do so. I have always said no.

My T asked me whether I would like him to offer or wait for me to initiate a hug. I said I would ask him for a hug when I need to. I haven't yet but may in the future.

Never asked and never offered so far. I would leave it open ended, act as we both see the need in the moment.

[CriesAndGoodbyes]

I'm genuinely surprised and shocked at the amount of therapists that hug. This post indicates it's fairly common. My T never hugs me. But I possibly destroyed any opportunity of that by confessing my feelings for him so early.

[heda]

My T hugged me after I gave her a gift before we would take a break physically for the summer. She asked first.

[Cinnamon_Stick]

I emailed my T and asked if hugs were something she did. She said yes as long as the client asks for it. We had a few long talks about hugs but they became a ritual at the end of session to hug. Sometimes if the session was difficult I would ask for an extra one.