Is it normal for a male licensed psychologist to hug a female patient?

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7 Comments

I am a female psychotherapy patient in St. Louis, MO (United States), and I have been seeing a male therapist for approximately two years on a near weekly basis. There are times that I feel like hugging him in a Nonsexual way of course, and I want to know whether that is considered appropriate by the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists and American Psychological Association guidelines? I don't want him to get in trouble. I kmow for a fact that he just sees me as a patient, and does not feel anything sexual towards me, and I totally trust him Not to touch me in a sexual way. My question is: Is it considered normal for a male licensed psychologist/therapist to hug a female client, so long as the therapist and patient both feel that way and consent?

Is It Normal?
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  • Charmo
    11 years ago | pl

    Since when have hugs been considered 'sexual'? Damn that Christian Side-Hug video!

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  • BurnaTwist
    12 years ago | pl

    couldnt you just ask him? so many IIN post can be answered with this same phrase. If its a meaningless hug no harm done, if its against regulations then you need to hug a friend

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  • digrootbeer
    12 years ago | pl

    He is taking advantage of your vulnerability. Instead, he should see you in off hours and woo you like anyone else. It is tough, because he knows some deep secrets.. Psychoanalysis is there to try and save the world from insanity and collective destruction, so he needs to sacrifice his own selfish ambitions for the sake of the whole, so No.

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  • BoredGuy
    12 years ago | pl

    some laws are stupid, cause some ppl are stupid.

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  • AngAnders112
    12 years ago | pl

    Wouldn't it depends on the state of the patient? Many patients can idolize their therapists and see them as heroes/saviors which can develop into crushes (according to The Sopranos, at least.) Couldn't physical contact increase these feelings?

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago | pl

    I don't think it's appropriate.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago | pl

    It's a harmless hug, I don't think it would be a problem. But then again, there are always very "special rules" created that make no sense. Look it up.

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