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The "erotic transference": some technical and countertransferential difficulties
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario.
American Journal of Psychotherapy
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Therapists may struggle to address erotic transference due to inadequate training, certain theoretical stances, and countertransference. Overlooking underlying issues can lead to acting out with patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Erotic transference presents unique challenges in psychotherapy.
- Understanding and managing transference is crucial for therapeutic success.
Observation:
- Therapists face difficulties in identifying and addressing erotic transference.
- Several dynamics can impede the effective management of erotic transference.
Findings:
- Deficient training in psychosexual dynamics hinders therapists.
- Theoretical orientations prioritizing a "real" relationship may devalue transference.
- Countertransference responses can complicate the therapist's perception.
- Focusing on manifest erotic transference can obscure latent pre-oedipal, oedipal, aggressive, or selfobject issues.
Implications:
- Inattention to these dynamics increases the risk of sexual acting out.
- Enhanced therapist training is needed to address erotic transference.
- Clinical practice requires careful attention to both manifest and latent transference dynamics.