This book offers a concise, practical guide to ethically responding to a prevalent but often undisclosed issue: therapists' sexual feelings and fantasies.

The psychotherapy profession has struggled to deal openly, honestly, and effectively with therapists' sexual feelings, fantasies, and related behaviors. This book candidly treats these subjects, providing a brief, practical guide for therapists and expert witnesses to the complex, difficult issues in this area. The book is focused on three different aspects of therapists' sexual feelings, fantasies, and behaviors: therapists' sexual attractions to and related experiences (including sexual fantasies, dreams, arousal) related to their clients; therapists' violation of sexual boundaries with their clients (such as therapist-patient sexual involvement); and therapists testifying in cases where therapist-patient sex is at issue.

The authors review the sociohistorical context and present the research and current knowledge, drawing this information together to help therapists do their work more effectively. The authors also provide important information for fact and expert witnesses, examining the evolving ethical and legal standards surrounding sexual feelings and fantasies, and discussing how to respond to a client who says they were sexually involved with a prior therapist. Incisive reflection questions engage readers, encouraging and strengthening their ability to recognize, accept, and respond appropriately to their own sexual feelings and fantasies. 

Book Information
ISBN 9781433844331
Author Kenneth S. Pope
Format Paperback
Page Count 146
Imprint American Psychological Association
Publisher American Psychological Association