Experiences of demonstrating care to youth using non-erotic touch

This study explored the lived experience of using non-erotic touch to demonstrate care to youth. A hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was used to collect and analyze the experiences of nine participants who work as professionals in a helping profession. The themes of communication, relationship and decision-making factors emerged from this analysis. It was discovered that while the three themes appear to be separate, in actuality they could not be examined in complete isolation. Lastly, the overall essence of awareness was prominent throughout the research and the importance of being aware of multiple dimensions within the realm of counselling. The lived experience of the participants is further elucidated through lived existentials to give a composite description of what the experience is of using non-erotic touch to demonstrate care to youth. Implications for further practice and service provider organizations I explored as well as considerations and recommendations for counsellor education and future research. --Leaf ii.