I can only reply from a trauma perspective, but totally agree that
quote:as you all have said, our particular issues are what influence what actually happens in the experience.
I think trauma has it's own difficulties, partly because trust is such a big issue. It can take years to trust another with your past, to share information and believ they will not hurt you as others have previously done. So touch then for me, and I can only speak for myself, as given in a safe and affirming way, becomes more powerful. It is more than the physical comfort that I never knew, shows that I am not too bad to touch, and is an sign of empathy, understanding and solidarity with me on my journey.
As I write this I am aware that others do not receive touch in their therapy, if I had a T with a no-touch policy I am sure I would have made equal progress, it's just that this particular aspect is different for different people - neither being right or wrong. I just wanted to say that.
[QUOTE] [I'm curious to know if people ever become frustrated because, for example, the light touching and/or hugging may be the limit of the contact. What happens if the client demands (or expects) more and becomes upset and confused when it doesn't progress to something deeper, like it might normally do under ideal circumstance with a parent or partner? Or if the contact is not consistent?
/QUOTE]
Russ, good question. Again I can only answer from my experience, which is that I never feel frustrated if there is or isn't touch, because it only ever happens when it is appropriate. I don't see my T in the same light as a parent (ooo definitely not!) or my partner, she is my T in her own role in my life. I need her right now to help me through this, and as much as I wish I didn't need any help, she is happy to walk with me and help all she can.
I hope that explains a bit how it is for me at least. Everybody will be different, and other relationships and dynamics will have their equally different and important dynamics and ways of conducting their particular therapy. That's what makes us all different, although we strive for similar goals.
starfish