Final answer:
A resident approached for a hug by a client in cognitive therapy should first consider professional boundaries and comfort levels, ensuring a therapeutic relationship is maintained and guidelines about physical touch are clear.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a young female starting cognitive therapy asks for a hug, the female resident should first assess the situation considering professional boundaries and the comfort level of both parties. It is important to maintain a therapeutic relationship, so the resident must consider the therapeutic role and the policies of the clinical setting. Before proceeding with physical contact such as a hug, clear guidelines about physical touch should be established, and the resident may need to gently explain the importance of boundaries in the therapeutic context.