Yalom (2002) states that it is okay to touch your patients when necessary during the therapy session. Personally, I believe that touching a patient should not be acceptable under any circumstances, unless there is a medical emergency or it would be detrimental to the therapy not to touch them. A simple friendly touch could turn into something more for the patient, and those suffering from mental illness could think of different meanings for this gesture. Since learning about counseling, I have never seen a place where it says touching is encouraged. On the contrary, I have seen more people against touching a patient than those in favor. I would like to interview patients of therapists who think touching is okay and see if it helps or hurts. If I could speak with Yalom, I would ask him how successful his vision is for him and for the patient. I don't think it caused him any problems, but is that because he's a reputable therapist or because it actually works? Yalom (2002) also states that talking about touch will make it easier for you to console your patient in the future. For me, if I went to a therapy session and my therapist started talking about how he wanted to shake my hand or give me a hug, I would feel uncomfortable. If you must touch a patient, do so, don't talk about it and create an embarrassing situation. Additionally, I believe that if a therapist touches their patient, it opens the door for the patient to think. that the therapist loves them in a sexual way. I think physical contact is the main culprit in making patients fall in love with their therapist. However, if a patient tried to hug me after a session during...... middle of paper ..... ients stopping and being cold towards the therapist or even interrupting the sessions. This is why it is best to keep a strictly professional relationship and give each patient equal time. There should never be a relationship that goes beyond patient-therapist contact. Finally, by involving your patient in one or more aspects of your life, he or she may soon become your friend. In turn, if they think you are friends, the therapist-patient relationship will no longer be the same as when the sessions began. Although touching your patient and maintaining multiple relationships with them is not the best way to go. In my opinion, disclosing information to your patients is extremely beneficial. All therapists should learn to provide trust, comfort and understanding to their patients, otherwise they are doing their job all wrong...