On transference, passion, and analysts’ sexual boundary violations.

Abstract

This article attempts to elucidate the psychodynamics of analysts' sexual boundary violations and, one hopes, to widen an area of inquiry that has been neglected in the psychoanalytic field. Reflecting on the tension generated by the intimate yet asymmetric quality of the psychoanalytic encounter, I expand on the links between transference and power. Psychoanalytic training emphasis on "knowing" as opposed to "caring" for the self will be elaborated as potential contributors to analysts' sexual boundary violations.

Sexual boundary violations outside of cisgender–heterosexual dyads.

“…Indeed, in their efforts to avoid even the appearance of boundary crossings and violations, queer and/or trans therapists risk reacting too rigidly when presented with boundary considerations relevant to multiple roles; for example, therapists sometimes mismanage these situations by opting out of meaningful activities as a means of avoiding clients, which can detrimentally impact the therapy and could, ironically, increase vulnerability to committing SBVs. This is consistent with other literature on SBVs, identifying them as resulting, in large part, from failures of self-care on the part of therapists, leaving the therapy narcissistically depleted and more likely to rely on their clients to meet emotional, social, and sexual needs (Celenza & Gabbard, 2003;Tylim, 2017). Recognizing this hazard, several authors encourage therapists to actively engage in such outside activities for their own well-being (Fickey & Grimm, 1998;Kessler & Waehler, 2005;Morrow, 2000).…”