🚀 go-pugleaf

I hate to be a stickler here -- but BEFORE getting to the points raised
beyond the scenario -- I find the actions of the therapist misguided. The
goal of therapy is to help the client; I consider this problem to be on
the part of the therapist, who should not bring this into client sessions,
but work them out separately. I personally find it creepy
and highly unprofessional that a therapist would disclose sexual feelings
to the client. Intentions to act or not aside, its almost like hitting on
the client. It of course needs to be dealt with when the CLIENT has the
issue, but its our job to be the professional. I do realize that perhaps
there are schools of psychoanalysis that would be more supportive of this
therapist's actions, (?) I am in a cognitive-behaviorally oriented doctoral
program, and can't say I would find any of my colleagues that would
recommend such disclosure.

On Fri, 24 Oct 1997, Xenor Wurn wrote:

> Scenario:
> A therapist had been working with a client for quite some time, and
> became aware of the beginnings of a significant sexual attraction toward
> the person. The psychologist was somewhat uncomfortable with the
> feelings, and unsure how to handle them. After much reflection the
> therapist decided to discuss the situation with the client and continue
> with the psychotherapy. However, the therapist was very clear that there
> was no intention of ever acting on the feelings of attraction.
>
> Key issues:
> 1)  As stipulated by the code of ethics, any sexual or intimate
> relationship between therapist and client is unethical.
> 2)  How does the client feel about the situation? Do they want to change
> therapists?
> 3)  has the problem adversely affected the therapeutic relationship?
> 4)  is the current therapist experienced enough to continue?
>
> Actions I would recommend:
> 1) seek supervision from colleagues. Needs to ensure that he knows how
> to deal with the situation
> rationale: must only ever act when sure you have appropriate training
> etc.
>
> 2) find out how the client feels and see if they want to continue
> rationale: always must act in the clients best interest
>
> Basically, I would like to present some issues and ensure, from your
> feedback, that I have presented all the necessary points to help new
> clinicians deal with such an issue.
>
> Regards,
> Xenor
>
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