ABSTRACT
Touch is a fundamental sense, essential for human growth and development. Trauma exposure, particularly in cases of domestic violence, can disrupt normal functioning of touch for individuals and families. This chapter provides a brief history of touch and examines the empirical foundation for using touch in child psychotherapy. Senses involved with touch are the first to develop in embryos and inspire the development of all other senses. Few guidelines exist when it comes to touch in psychotherapy with children, thus raising ethical questions. Children naturally use touch to express, connect, and achieve safety. Denying child-initiated touch is potentially harmful and to do so raises ethical concerns. However, there are ethical risks for therapists using therapist-initiated touch as a therapeutic intervention. Touch can be an imperative part of treating trauma caused by DV exposure. Training child therapists in the therapeutic benefits and ethics of touch is necessary to ensure appropriate application.
