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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it ever alright for your Psychiatrist to hug you?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    I have been seeing a Psychiatrist for a number of years for depression and PTSD. We have a reasonable rapport and he has always conducted himself professionally. One day, I was particularly distressed and on leaving he asked if I wanted a hug. I accepted as it felt like a normal human response, and it was appreciated at the time. Nothing was later bought up about it and I didn't think any more of it.

    Nothing happened for a couple of weeks, but often when I am upset, he will endeavour to comfort me by holding my hand or holding me. He does tell me ‘to feel these emotions’ while he is holding me.

    Is this a reasonable method for any form of therapy? There are times when I appreciated this but it has become almost a routine occurance, and am unsure. Nothing further has ever happened.
    Is this ever acceptable?
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  • 2

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    Anonymous

    It's not usually considered appropriate for your psychiatrist to hug you, hold your hand or touch you in any way during a session. Some schools of thought would say absolutely not under any circumstances, others might say its sometimes appropriate at the end of a therapy saying goodbye for example, others might say during periods of sudden or acute grief and loss it is permitted to gently hold someone or hold their hand. Mostly however therapists are trained not to do any of these things for lots of good reasons.

    Your post indicates as Simon has said above, that you are uncomfortable with it. I think you can tell him to stop and say it is making you feel uncomfortable.

    Particularly, it isn't something that should occur every time you see eachother, and it is a concern if this is the case.

    If you have a good rapport with him, then it is something you could discuss with him at your next session. Alternatively, depending on which state you live in, you could contact the Psychiatrist Registration Board and ask them for their opinion about what is happening.




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    Belinda Chelius

    Counsellor, Social Worker

    I am a skilled, dedicated, culturally sensitive and passionate Senior Social Work Clinician, practicing in the field of complex mental health and substance misuse (Dual-Diagnosis) … View Profile

    If it makes you feel uncomfortable, whether it is the norm or not, it is NOT OK! Dr Simon summed it up well as to actions you can take.

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