Posted by jay on October 7, 2003, at 10:50:33
In reply to Re: Please read...Code of Ethics Therapy » jay, posted by Dinah on October 7, 2003, at 8:45:14
> > Hey folks:
> >
> > I have noticed a number of folks who mention extensive attraction to their therapist, which is with no mistake, transference. What you must realize is that this is one of the ultimate *sins* in counselling. Therapists are usually obligated to terminate the client-patient relationship if this occurs. Therapists can face criminal charges and lose their license to practice if they operate outside the boundaries of a client-patient relationship at all.
> >
>
> Whoa, Jay. Gotta say that isn't at all correct. If a therapist terminated every client who was sexually attracted to them, they wouldn't have many left. It is *not* unethical to be the recipient of an erotic transference. It is not even unethical to feel sexual attraction to a client. It *is* unethical to act on that attraction. I don't want people to be scared to mention their erotic transferences for fear they will be terminated. It is *very* important to bring up that sort of material in therapy. Erotic feelings are a natural result of an artificially intimate relationship, are nothing to be ashamed of, and will not end in a person's rejection or termination with a therapist. I would go so far as to say that a therapist who terminates with a client because the client is sexually attracted to them has absolutely no business in the field.
>
> Sorry, Jay. But this is a board that many people come to with their transference issues, and I just don't want people to get the idea that feeling erotic feelings for their therapist will cause their therapist to terminate them.
>
> Only a therapist's *actions* (including words as actions) can be considered unethical.
I understand what you are saying...and the smallest amount of attraction should only be able to be picked up if you where a psychic. I don't mean to be arrogant or whatever, but I have plenty of first-hand experience, twice with me and numerous with other colleagues. The two times with me involved slightly covert, but suspicious questions about *me* as a person, and my personal life.(VERY blatent questions.) Most counsellors who find this is an issue will discuss it with colleagues first.Again, I am not trying to say that clients, in their minds, should not harbour any feelings towards a therapist. That would be humanly impossible. But, when that line is crossed and feelings turn into words, or an inappropriate gesture, the common practice is to terminate.
I honestly think we are on the same ground here, but it's just a matter of degrees. I've read many of the posts with transference issues on the board, and I was greatly appalled at some therapists actions. I am sure you would be to. I am also honestly not trying to push people away who have their own issues with this, and want to support anybody as much as possible. What worriers me, though, is of our board members getting taken advantage of, or even abused. It is so common these days, I guess that is why I am super sensitive to the issue. Plus, people pay a heck of amount of money for this counselling, and I don't like to see that abused also by therapists.
Anyhow...thanks very much for your input and suggested readings. :-)
Sincerely,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:266267
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030925/msgs/266338.html