Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2002, at 10:13:05
In reply to Love with therapist « Stamper, posted by Dr. Bob on November 6, 2002, at 7:52:52
I think it's pretty common to develop romantic feelings for your therapist. Therapy mimics a romantic relationship in some ways and we're probably pre-programmed to respond.
Or there are other ways of responding to those feelings. My transference is a maternal one, and I tend to see my therapist as one giant breast. (Which disconcerts him no end when I admit it.)
I highly recommend the book "In Session: The Bond Between Women and Their Therapists" by Deborah Lott. It discusses all sorts of attachments.
Now therapists falling in love with their patients (and letting them know)? I don't know how common it is, but I do know it's not right. If a therapist has feelings for a patient, positive or negative, he/she should deal with them himself. If they get in the way of the therapeutic relationship, a proper referral should be made. Therapists might fall in love with their patients, but they shouldn't act on it.
poster:Dinah
thread:1466
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1477.html