ABSTRACT
Nowhere is touch more controversial than in its use with children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Touch is the first of the senses to develop in the human infant and is considered a human's first language. Touch is central to cognitive, emotional, developmental, and behavioral aspects of people's lives, and how the world is perceived and experienced by the infant is largely defined by touch. Absence of touch, which may be seen in children who have been neglected, also influences development, attachment, bonding, and all future relationships. Despite the vast scientific data on the importance of touch for human development, communication, and its effectiveness in healing, the field of psychotherapy has generally shunned its use. Touch is an expression of social power and, given that children have experienced touch as a violation, they often have issues with power, trust, safety, and control. Inappropriate, sexualized, or absent touch may have long-standing effects on physical, emotional, and social development.
