A Model of Informed Physical Contact in Psychotherapy

Abstract

This article explores ways that touch can be an effective and transformative part of the therapeutic encounter, especially, but not exclusively, with clients who present with issues around trauma. The author explores working with body processes in therapy using touch for an extended period of time, not just a session or two. He describes four categories of touch that can be used in therapy at both intrapsychic and intersubjective, or relational, levels of psychic organization. A case presentation demonstrates ways the author uses physical touch in his practice.

Keywords:

• Transgressive
• trauma
• body psychotherapy
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• relational body
• transactional analysis

Disclosure Statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Edward T. Novak

Edward T. Novak, MA, is the book review editor for the Transactional Analysis Journal and a member of the editorial board. He has been interested and engaged in transactional analysis psychotherapy for 25 years. He is also a graduate of the National Institute for the Psychotherapies’ National Training Program in Contemporary Psychoanalysis and maintains a private practice in Akron, Ohio. He can be reached at 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 212, Akron, OH 44313, USA; email: [email protected].