Touch in the Helping Professions

This collation of ideas is embedded with scholarly evidence, research and expert perspectives creating an interesting and thought provoking read. (...) I have recommended this book to a number of different people from a variety of backgrounds and professions. This book can aid medical professionals in their consideration of touch and both its therapeutic and detrimental effects. -- Nicole South, Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University "This book is an exploration of touch in the context of psychotherapy, considering a range of perspectives, the appropriate use and the influence of both social and cultural values. (...) The collation of ideas is embedded with scholarly evidence, research and expert perspectives creating an interesting and thought provoking read." -- Ibadete Fetahu

Martin Rovers is a professor and AAMFT-approved supervisor in the Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University (Ottawa). Judith Malette is a certified clinical psychologist and full professor in the Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University (Ottawa). Manal Guirguis-Younger is dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University (Ottawa).

Acknowledgements INTRODUCTION Exploring Touch Outline of the Book PART I THE THEORY OF TOUCH CHAPTER I Touch Deprivation and Counselling as Healing Touch What Is Touch? Touch Deprivation Touch Deprivation and Attachment Counselling as Healing Touch Healing Touch in Couple Counselling Case Study 1 Case Study 2 Conclusion CHAPTER II Thinking About Touch Hume on Thinking Descartes: Touch as Confused Thinking What Is Touch? Individuating Touch Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Touch Conclusion CHAPTER III Contributions of Sensory Anthropology and Durands Anthropology to the Symbolic Study of Touch and the Understanding of Boundaries in Psychotherapy The Contributions of Sensory Anthropology Schopenhauers Parable of the Porcupines The Contributions of Durands Anthropology of the Imaginary The Mythical World of the Mystical Type The Mythical World of the Heroic Type The Mythical World of the Synthetic Type Defining Boundaries in Human Life and in the Context of Psychotherapy Application of Durands Theory to the Understanding of Boundaries Conclusion CHAPTER IV Healing and the Forbidden Touch: A Reflection on Selected Scripture Stories Introduction: On the Meaning of Touch From Sight to Touch To Touch or Not to Touch? Touching Jesus and the Hemorrhaging Woman (Mk 5: 2534). Is Touch a Gender Issue? Does Touching Contribute to Healing? Do Not Touch Me: Forbidden Touch (Jn 20: 1118) Closeness and Distance: Who Is Allowed to Touch? The Impossibility of Touch and Transgressive Touch Conclusion PART II THE PRACTICE OF TOUCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY CHAPTER V The Intervention of Touch in Psychotherapy and Trauma Treatment Introduction to Touch in Psychotherapy and Trauma Treatment Exploring Theory and Research: A Rationale for Touch in Trauma Therapy The Importance of the Nervous System in Emotional Regulation and Trauma Treatment Potential Impact of Touch on Clients Types of Touch in Psychotherapy Guidelines for Safe and Effective Touch in Psychotherapy Case Example of Using Touch/Physical Contact with a Teenage Client Conclusion CHAPTER VI A Puppys Touch: Destressing with Dogs in a University Environment Introduction Initial Research Biophilia Hypothesis Social Support Hypothesis Context of the Research Methodology Findings 1. Energy of the Dogs 2. Distraction from Current Stress 3. Touch or Contact with the Dogs 4. Unconditional Love and Acceptance 5. Reminder of Home or Pet Discussion Conclusion CHAPTER VII Inter-Partner Touch in Couple Counselling: Theory and Emerging Practice What is Touch? Defining Touch Psychobiological Function of Touch What is the Importance of Touch for Psychological Well-Being? Touch Promotes Human Development Touch Provides Attachment Security Touch for Comfort and Well-Being Touch in Times of Distress Touch Leads to Spiritual Health, Experience, and Connection Touch in Couple Counselling Touch in Todays Couple Counselling A Spirituality for Inter-Partner Touch An Emerging Model for Touch in Couple Counselling Look, Touch, Talk, Hug Twenty-Second Hug Moving Forward What Implications Does Touch Have for Couple Counselling? Ethical Considerations Need for Future Research PART III THE PRACTICE OF TOUCH IN A SPECTRUM OF PRACTICE CHAPTER VIII The Practice of the Laying on of Hands in Islamic Spiritual Care Literature Review A Place for the Laying on of Hands in Islamic Spiritual Care Ethics of the Laying on of Hands in Islamic Spiritual Care Ethics of the Tawhid Principle Ethics of Physical and Spiritual Purification Ethics of Providing Proper Care Conclusion CHAPTER IX An Angel in My Pocket: Touch, Sacred Objects, and Spiritual Coping Touch in Hospital Chaplaincy Spiritual Coping Locus of Control The Spiritual Dimension of Touch Objects of Spiritual Significance The Function of the Sacralized Object Focuses the Mind Tool of Connection Source of Emotional Support A Beneficial but High-Maintenance Coping Strategy Evolution of the Sacred Object Sacralized