Touch Unveiled: Navigating the Power, Potential and Prohibitions of Touch Across Therapies

Abstract

This comprehensive review of 60 research papers spanning from 1940 to 2020 delves into the multifaceted role of touch across developmental stages and in therapeutic contexts. It examines diverse therapies, including massage therapy (Catalonia, Subtle Touch, Fractional Decompression), Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, havening (Amygdala Repotentiation Therapy), Somatic experiencing therapy, canine-assisted therapy, body-oriented therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, touch in CBT, and touch in mindfulness. The study also investigates touch's effectiveness in addressing disorders such as Dementia, Alzheimer's, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. It scrutinises gender and expertise in touch therapy, particularly in the Indian context, while considering appropriateness for regressed patients and survivors of sexual abuse. The research explores the complexities surrounding touch in therapy, focussing upon factors like fear of misconduct, the impact of past experiences, cultural variations, and ethical principles as outlined by the American Psychological Association. Despite ongoing debates, the paper concludes that touch holds potential for improving interpersonal relations and therapeutic success, emphasising the need for further applied exploration.