Intimate boundaries: Therapists’ perception and experience of erotic transference within the therapeutic relationship

Abstract

Aim: This study explored therapists’ understanding and experiences of erotic transference within therapeutic relationships. Method: A small-scale qualitative research project was undertaken with six therapists working within different counselling contexts. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, and an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis used for analysis of individual perception and experience. Findings: All participants had experienced what they understood to be erotic transference and/or sexual and loving feelings within therapy. There was little differentiation between the two phenomena, and both were often referred to interchangeably. There were contradictory views as to whether using the phenomena would be beneficial to client work, but there was a strong motivation to learn more about it. Therapists who encountered sexual attraction within therapy experienced feelings including shame and embarrassment. Supervisory support was seen to be beneficial. Implications/conclusion: The importance for therapists to acknowledge a lack of clarity that exists around the understanding of erotic transference and its relationship to sexual attraction within therapy is noted. Also, a recognition that better access to training regarding erotic transference and sexual responsibility within client relationships might be helpful to therapists in their work.

Keywords:

• erotic transference
• transference
• sexual/loving feelings
• training guidelines
• sexual responsibility
• therapeutic relationship

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank the following for their support: Dr John Towler, Martin Rodgers, Carmen Von Häenisch, Salma Khanbhai, Suzannah Holbrow, Valerie Allen, David Hodder and the participants.