How to Handle Sexualized Transference in the Therapeutic Relationship

The therapeutic relationship is intense by definition. Clients have to be courageous enough to make themselves vulnerable by sharing information about themselves that they may not share with any other person. Sometimes this leads to the client developing feelings for the therapist and in some cases, these feelings may be sexualized. In psychology, we call this sexualized transference. Practitioners need to know how to handle such situations with care and professionalism.

It is also important for clients to know that this situation is fairly common. And that they can express such feelings in a way that can be therapeutically helpful. The article below can help clients understand and process these feelings.

https://www.verywellmind.com/help-ive-fallen-in-love-with-my-therapist-2337585#:~:text=What%20Is%20Transference%3F,positive%2C%20negative%2C%20or%20sexualized