The appropriateness of shaking your therapist's hand when leaving depends on various factors, including cultural norms, therapeutic boundaries, and the specific relationship you have with your therapist. In many therapeutic settings, physical contact like handshakes is not common, as therapists often maintain professional boundaries to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for their clients.
Therapists typically adhere to ethical guidelines that emphasize maintaining appropriate boundaries to protect the therapeutic relationship. Handshakes, hugs, or other forms of physical contact can potentially blur these boundaries and may not be encouraged in most therapeutic settings.
If you genuinely feel the need to express gratitude or appreciation to your therapist when leaving, it is generally more appropriate to do so verbally. A simple "thank you" or expressing how the session was helpful can be a respectful way to end the session.
If you have a specific reason for wanting to shake your therapist's hand, such as cultural norms or previous discussions about physical contact, it might be appropriate to discuss this matter with your therapist openly. They can then provide guidance and clarity on their professional boundaries and how they handle physical contact in the therapeutic relationship.
Overall, it is essential to respect the therapeutic boundaries set by your therapist to ensure the effectiveness of the therapeutic process and to maintain a professional and safe environment during your sessions. If you have any uncertainties or questions about appropriate behaviors in therapy, don't hesitate to discuss them openly with your therapist.