
Psychology In Seattle Podcast
A Therapist Has Sex With His Client (2016 Rerun)
Apr 8, 2025
A listener shares a shocking story about a sexual relationship with her therapist, prompting a deep dive into ethics in therapy. The discussion highlights the alarming frequency of boundary violations and the emotional fallout for clients. The hosts emphasize the complexity of emotions in therapy and the necessity for therapists to maintain professional boundaries. They also address the challenges clients face when seeking new therapists after such traumatic experiences, calling for better training and awareness in the mental health field.
48:53
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses the emotional turmoil and regret a patron experienced after blurring the lines between therapy and romance with her therapist.
- It highlights the significant risks and ethical violations associated with sexual relationships between therapists and clients, stressing the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries in therapeutic settings.
Deep dives
Navigating the Therapist-Client Relationship
A patron shared her experience of developing romantic feelings for her therapist, leading to a complicated relationship after they transitioned from a clinical setting to dating. She believed she was making a conscious and informed decision based on extensive research about erotic countertransference, yet later recognized the significant power imbalance present in their dynamic. Despite understanding the risks associated with dual relationships, she yearned for affection and acceptance without the sexual aspect, which contributed to her emotional turmoil. Upon realizing the therapist's disinterest in her feelings, she experienced feelings of disgust and regret regarding the relationship that followed the therapy.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.