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.
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Community Uproar
- Rebecca Bloom recounts a story about a well-known therapist who had a relationship with a client.
- This caused a huge uproar in the gay community, highlighting the impact of such violations.
Power Dynamics in Therapy
- Even as adults, people seek mentor or parental figures, creating power dynamics in therapy.
- This transference makes client-therapist relationships inherently susceptible to exploitation.
Erotic Transference
- Therapists should view erotic feelings from clients as dysfunction.
- Use this as a therapeutic opportunity for healing with healthy boundaries.