The effects of touch in the psychotherapeutic relationship. Should physical contact be used in therapy?
Authors
Curran, Antoinette
Issue Date
2015
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
Touch can be used as a form of communication. Especially in an intense situation such as therapy, touch can have a profound effect on the course of treatment. The significance of touch will differ depending on each individual. Physical contact between the Therapist and client is often debated among the different disciplines in psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapy. While Humanistic and Body Psychotherapy view touch as necessary and effective in the treatment of the client, Psychodynamic therapy opposes the idea of using touch. Psychoanalytic theory suggests that touch will hinder the client’s development and interfere with transference (Phelan, 2009, Wernicke, 2011). This dissertation aims to review the research regarding these opposing opinions and to look at the possible effects of using touch in the therapeutic space. Author Keywords: Touch, Physical Contact, Transference