It's been my experience that no subject strikes more fear in
therapists' minds than the idea of physical contact in
psychotherapy. Sadly, few therapists are even familiar with the
concept of therapeutic touch. There's virtually no standard
training and the guidelines that exist are so intimidating that
they easily discourage most therapists who would otherwise consider
using touch therapeutically. And what does therapeutic touch
entail? Everyone imagines the worse. Is it shaking hands? Giving a
routine hug at the end of a session? Is it a gentle holding during
an intense emotional episode? Yet, neuroscience reveals that the
development of our lifelong emotional patterning is deeply impacted
by physical contact in our earliest years. Can we change
fundamental aspects of our emotions without the use of touch?
Should therapists be trained in the use of touch? Will the day come
when it'd be unethical not to be so trained? Join the conversation.
Click here to get the FREE podcast.
No comments:
Post a Comment