Clinical Considerations Regarding the Use of Touch in Psychotherapy Considérations cliniques à propos de l’utilisation du toucher en psychothérapie Considerazioni cliniche sull’utilizzo del contatto in psicoterapia Klinische Überlegungen zum Einsatz von Berührung in der Psychotherapie Consideraciones Clínicas sobre el Uso del Tacto en Psicoterapia Considerações clínicas sobre o uso do toque em psicoterapia Клинические соображения по поводу использования прикосновений в психотерапии 关于在心理治疗中使用碰触的临床思考

The use of touch in psychotherapy has been a topic of discussion since Freud stopped touching his patients. Psychology in general has moved away from utilizing touch as a therapeutic intervention. However, several body-oriented clinical approaches, such as Bioenergetic Analysis, Neo-Reichian therapy, Core Energetics, Hakomi, and Somatic Experiencing, include touch as approved interventions. This article explores how touch can be used ethically in clinical practice. Types of touch and ethical considerations are discussed as well as the need for training and more research. peerReviewed publishedVersion