Final answer:
The statement is false. In therapy, maintaining professional boundaries is crucial, and physical contact such as hugging is generally avoided to prevent any potential blurring of boundaries or the development of dependencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that hugs are okay to be initiated by either therapist or client if the intent is appreciative is considered false. In the context of a professional therapeutic relationship, physical contact, such as hugging, can be ethically complex and should generally be avoided.
Physical contact can carry different meanings and emotional weight for each individual, and thus can have unintended consequences. Therapists must maintain professional boundaries to ensure a safe and comfortable space for their clients. In therapy, the primary focus should be on verbal communication and less on physical expressions like hugging. The ethical guidelines provided by most therapy governing bodies and associations suggest that therapists refrain from initiating or encouraging physical contact like hugging to prevent any potential blurring of boundaries or the development of dependencies.
It is essential for therapists to discuss the topic of physical contact with clients and establish clear boundaries early in their therapeutic relationship. Consent and comfort with physical contact can vary greatly between clients, and it is the therapist's responsibility to navigate this aspect of the therapeutic relationship with the utmost care and professionalism.