Episode 392: When Therapists Fall In Love With Their Patients
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In the last episode), we talked about patients who fall in love with their therapists. Today, we’re taking about the flip side of things: when therapists develop sexual and/or romantic feelings toward their patients, a phenomenon known as erotic countertransference. Research suggests that this is surprisingly common, so we’re going to discuss why it happens and what to do in situations like this.

I am joined once again by Alison McCleary and Jordan Pickell.) Alison and Jordan are both Registered Clinical Counsellors and podcasters. Together, they co-host the Edge of the Couch podcast), which provides a space to have conversations about what it is *actually *like to be a therapist, including the conversations that are regularly missed during training programs.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

• What does the term erotic countertransference really mean?

• What is the psychology behind why therapists sometimes develop feelings for their patients?

• How common is it for therapists to become attracted to their patients?

• Why is the subject of erotic countertransference avoided in many therapy training programs?

• Is it ever ethically acceptable for a therapist and client to have sex or start a romantic relationship?

You can check out the Edge of the Couch podcast) to learn more.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.)

*Thank you to our sponsors! *

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Credits: Precision Podcasting) (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.