The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy / Edition 1

by Michael G. Hunter, Jim Struve

Overview

Is the bias against touch in psychotherapy justified? Is ethical touch an oxymoron? Can the recovery process be complete without healing touch? Mental health professionals are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of providing appropriate treatment for clients in a safe environment that nurtures trust, a necessary ingredient for optimum movement through the therapeutic process. Though treatment approaches vary, most modalities are verbally based and, in theory, exclude physical contact. Fearing that any form of touch would likely lead to sexual feelings or interaction, clinicians tend to shy away from the topic. In this book, however, Mic Hunter and Jim Struve skilfully demonstrate that touch - a most basic human need - is intrinsic to

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761903604
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	10/14/1997
Pages:	319
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

PART ONE: FOUNDATIONS AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Physiology of Touch
The Influence of Touch on Socialization
Traditions of Touch within Various Cultures
Traditions of Touch in Psychotherapy
PART TWO: CLINICAL APPLICATION OF TOUCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
Power Dynamics that Affect the Use of Touch in Therapy
Functions of Touch in Psychotherapy
The Dynamics of Touch When Applied in Psychotherapy
Guidelines for Using Touch in Psychotherapy
A Continuum of Touch
Specific Techniques and Case Examples Involving the Use of Touch
The Use of Touch in Various Modalities and with Specific Populations
The Use of Bodyworkers as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy
PART THREE: MATERIALS AND TRAINING AIDS
Erotic Issues within the Psychotherapy Relationship
Examining Personal Views on the Use of Touch in Psychotherapy

Editorial Reviews

Urges mental-health practitioners to reassess their traditional reluctance to include physical touch in the therapeutic process for fear of arousing sexual feelings. Promotes the use of touch as an adjunct to talk therapy no matter what the theoretical orientation of the treatment provider. Covers the foundations and historical background, clinical applications, and materials and training aids. Paper edition (unseen), $24.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews