Posted by Nadezda on October 7, 2008, at 10:05:13
In reply to Mutual attraction, posted by Suedehead on October 6, 2008, at 18:53:35
The following site contained an interesting discussion of the issue, largely more positive about therapist self-disclosure of sexual feelings than one would expect. It mentioned several studies of the impact (there are few considerations of this type of disclosure).
http://www.homestudycredit.com/courses/contentCBAbb2/secCBAbb(2)15.html
In general, most Ts don't disclose these feelings, but a study of actual T disclosure found that most disclosing Ts thought it had had a positive effect on the relationship. On the other hand, most Ts consider it to be ethically questionable. It seems to be the case, though, that a percentage of Ts (possibly 5%-25% or so--although probably truly more like 5-10%) have disclosed sexual feelings to patients. Most Ts try to work these feelings through in supervision.It depends a lot on the circumstances of the disclosure and what role it plays in the therapy. It also depends a lot on the temperament and emotional vulnerability of the participants. If it can be seen, as Seldom sees it, as something beneficent in the room- that seems positive. But if there's any wish or impulse roaming around to act out the feelings, it could-- and I've seen examples of this on babble--be deeply disruptive of patient security and a sense of integrity and separateness from the therapist, as well as the ability to sustain a connection in the T;s abence (which can be a terrible struggle in the best of circumstances for some people) and often can lead to destructive results.. So I guess it's a judgment call in any instance.
It's interesting, though, that it there's probably more variation in T ideas about these disclosures than the literature presents.
Nadezda
poster:Nadezda
thread:856082
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081005/msgs/856190.html