

Erotic Transference and Dating Bad Therapists
11 snips Jun 30, 2025
The hosts dive into the intriguing concept of erotic transference, discussing its roots in childhood trauma and attachment styles. They explore the complexities of emotional connections in therapy and how societal expectations influence these feelings. Humorously, they also reflect on the challenges of dating in Seattle and share insights into the importance of mentorship for aspiring therapists. Additionally, listeners get a glimpse of a fun card game that lightens the mood amidst serious discussions about trust and professional boundaries in therapy.
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Erotic Transference Reflects Attachment Needs
- Erotic transference commonly stems from unmet attachment needs rather than only remembered sexual abuse.
- Fear often co-occurs because the transferred dependence raises concerns about abandonment or harm.
Fear May Signal Scary Or Unavailable Parents
- Fear paired with erotic feelings can signal a parent who was scary, unavailable, or emotionally inconsistent.
- Sexual trauma is possible but not the default explanation for erotic transference with fear.
Toddler In Bath Sparks Conflicted Reactions
- Bob recounts a therapist story about a toddler humping a bathtub spigot and adults not shaming him.
- The memory triggered mixed reactions of naturalness and disgust rooted in upbringing.