Erotic Transferences

Abstract

Erotic transferences occur on a spectrum reflecting the ease or difficulty of their management. They represent sexualized re-enactments of important childhood relationships. This phase in psychotherapy may be a transient developmental feature or in some instances, assume a formidable resistance to further insightful work. Two case illustrations are given to indicate the breadth of this spectrum. Reasons are discussed for such differences in erotic transferences and their resolutions.

Boundary violations in therapy: the patient's experience of harm

“…This concurs with our experience. We would also agree with the suggestion that non-facilitating, intractable transferences, which are not primarily induced by poor technique, are frequently sadomasochistic re-enactments and pathological attempts at regulation of self-esteem (Frayn 1986). Hedges (1994) emphasises that primitive processes are in play and warns therapists that work with such patients may lead to false allegations of malpractice.…”

The Guilty Pleasure of Erotic Countertransference: Searching for Radial True

“…I discerned a merger fantasy underlying his erotic longings. The merger fantasy had a sadomasochistic structure and represented a defensive move whereby he subjugated himself to sidestep the exploration and expression of 2 In the clinical setting, it is wise to remember that a demand for love is an absence of a capacity for loving (Frayn and Silberfeld, 1986). Thus, Rachel's erotic move toward me may represent a step in the development of her erotic life outside treatment but is not to be taken at face value from within the treatment (Freud, 1915).…”

A Psychodynamic Profile of Therapists Who Sexually Exploit Their Clients

“…Hence, erotic therapist-transference will contain both positive and negative qualities. Frayn and Silberfeld (1986) describe eroticized transference as`a demand for love in the absence of a capacity for loving' (p. 323); the same can be said for eroticized countertransference.…”