How common is erotic transference in therapy?

The intense emotional experience of countertransference in psychotherapy also is not rare. Some studies have reported that 95 percent of male therapists and 76 percent of female therapists admit that they felt sexual feelings toward their patients.

Is it normal to fantasize about your therapist?

The Takeaway. It’s normal to have sexual thoughts and feelings about your therapist as part of your treatment process. When you talk about these feelings openly with an ethical therapist, they can help you understand what’s happening and help you move forward.

Do therapists want transference?

Therapists may intentionally use transference to better understand your perspective or problems. It can also be unintended. You may attribute negative or positive feelings to your therapist because of similarities you see in your therapist and someone else in your life. Treatment is possible in both cases.

What does erotic transference feel like?

Erotic transference is a term used to describe the feelings of love and the fantasies of a sexual or sensual nature that a client experiences about their therapist.

How often do you meet with your therapist for transference therapy?

That intensity is fostered by the fact patient and therapist meet three or more times per week. When patient and therapist discuss the transference treatment is further intensified. The therapist must be fully aware of the power of the patients transference feelings and never allow him or herself to be seduced and act upon those feelings.

Is it normal to have sexual feelings towards your therapist?

It seems to me that sexual feelings towards a therapist are often some of the most uncomfortable and difficult feelings that can emerge within the relationship. Often such feelings come as a complete shock to a client, especially when the therapist is not the client’s ‘usual type’ or even preferred gender.

Can transference love be used as resistance?

Freud’s insights–and later, Gill’s–that transference love may be used as resistance show how it acts as an attempt to exert control over the situation. It is an example of power-seeking, if you will.

Can transference emotions be realistic?

For one thing, patient transference emotions are not realistic. Instead of acting, the therapist must provide a safe and secure environment in which relationship problems can be unraveled, and understood in order that this person can resume their lives in ways that are healthier and more fulfilling than previously.