The role of touch in the therapeutic relationship
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Authors
Gage, Susan E.
Issue Date
1985
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The role of touch in the therapeutic relationship has been a controversial issue. Although there has been a long-standing taboo on physical contact as a viable therapeutic intervention, there also has been a growing psychotherapy tradition that is open to touch. This descriptive study explores ways in which touch is appropriate and helpful as an intervention in psychotherapy. Each of the three therapists interviewed uses touch in a different therapeutic modality. The Rosen Method bodywork therapist uses touch as the primary intervention, whereas both the verbal and somatic therapists use touch as an adjunctive intervention. The results and discussion explored concerns and guidelines about touching in each of the therapies, as well as in psychotherapy in general. This study points to the importance of therapists addressing both countertransference and transference issues about touching, being consistent and appropriate in their intent, and assessing the value and therapeutic implications for the needs of individual clients. It is recommended that further research include the following important areas of concern: guidelines for training therapists in the use of touch with clients as adjunctive to their verbal education, research on how different types of populations respond to touch in therapy, the correlation between therapists' touching behavior and their origin of beliefs, and how touch works with other sensory communication such as eye contact and gesture.