Sex and psychotherapy - Erotic transference explained 

Hearing you say a 'reenactment of history' made me think of how vulnerable a counsellor has to make themselves, to ensure that a client feels valued enough to continue their journey.

I'm a clinical psychology student and I want to thank you for touching on this important topic.

It gives a valuable perspective on the vulnerability, so to be more aware of the reason why some clients only know that way of interacting and the importance not to re evoke a trauma in them. Thank for sharing this perspective on sexual transference.

Terrific honest and non punative discussion

As therapist sometimes we have to ‘limit damage’ and as the BACP code of ethics state (I paraphrase here) ‘Act in spite of known fears and risks ‘ Remember, “Without courage we cannot practise any other virtue consistently” I hope that answers your question.

As a patient, I sensed it - and did not judge. I simply chose a different gender counselor.

I think this sort of conversation with a client will never be easy and would have to be handled on the part of the therapist with great care with a lot of work in supervision before a decision to refer is made.

What if the therapist won't address erotic transference? How can client deal with invalidation knowing client should not feel limited disclosing certain information?

Very helpful video Rory. Just one question, supposing you decide you need to refer, presumably the client will look for some sort of explanation. How would you approach that?I can't imagine the 'I'm having sexual feelings towards you and I don't think I am the right counsellor for you' conversation is an easy one. Particularly, I imagine if the client is nervous at the idea of opening up to someone else.

If the issue is the client wanting a different outcome, i.e. a physical or friend relationship with the therapist, this is ‘eroticised transference’ and I think should be addressed by the therapist asking “I wonder what you feel our relationship is , it feels to me you are wanting more than I can offer “

At 11:11, there is a very interestic subject starting to be discussed, on the development of a 'communication language of sex' and the confusion of affection with sex by some clients, who might have been sexualized. I would like to learn more about this. Do you have any literature suggestions, or could you make a video exploring this topic? Many thanks for this video, this is fantastic material.

I love this. Thank you for this video

I enjoyed this discussion. just one comment you made struck me regarding it being 'even more difficult' if male to male erotic transference occurs. I wonder if you can say more about this perspective.

10 years has gone by and im still dead attracted to my therapist all though we cut mettings

I think this sort of conversation with a client will never be easy and would have to be handled on the part of the therapist with great care with a lot of work in supervision before a decision to refer is made.