ABSTRACT
The number of preschool children who demonstrate significantly disruptive, aggressive behaviors is increasing, especially among disadvantaged children. This is of concern because these behaviors place them at risk for future social and emotional problems and at greater risk for future mental problems. Touch has been noted to be one of the most critical components of human development, overriding all other human senses. Despite its positive potential, touch within the clinical setting is an issue laden with ethical considerations. Consistent with the factors and the research on touch, authors of this chapter are offering a nurturing-restraint approach that can be used when working with aggressive children. Reflective supervision can best be described as practice of a supervisor and therapist examining thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions that the therapist experiences while working with clients, with the purpose of improving clinical practice skills. Nurturing-restraint should not be used without prior training and consideration of ethical factors involved in the clinical use of touch.
