Sex and Psychology Podcast

Episode 392: When Therapists Fall In Love With Their Patients


Listen Later

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! 

    Expand your sexual horizons with Beducated! Featuring more than 100 online courses taught by the experts, Beducated brings pleasure-based sex ed directly into your bedroom. Enjoy a free trial today and get 50% off their yearly pass by using LEHMILLER as the coupon code. To redeem this offer, visit: https://beducate.me/lehmiller-april

    Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

    ***

    Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on FacebookTwitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram.

    Listen and stream all episodes on AppleSpotifyGoogle, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

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

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Sex and Psychology PodcastBy Dr. Justin Lehmiller

    • 4.6
    • 4.6
    • 4.6
    • 4.6
    • 4.6

    4.6

    249 ratings


    More shows like Sex and Psychology Podcast

    View all
    Sex With Emily by Dr. Emily Morse

    Sex With Emily

    6,786 Listeners

    Multiamory: Rethinking Modern Relationships by Multiamory | Pleasure Podcasts

    Multiamory: Rethinking Modern Relationships

    888 Listeners

    Foreplay Radio – Couples and Sex Therapy by Cloud10

    Foreplay Radio – Couples and Sex Therapy

    1,966 Listeners

    Sexology by Dr. Nazanin Moali, Ph.D, Psychology of Sex | Couple Therapy | Sex Education

    Sexology

    430 Listeners

    The Bad Girls Bible - Sex, Relationships, Dating, Love & Marriage Advice by Sean Jameson

    The Bad Girls Bible - Sex, Relationships, Dating, Love & Marriage Advice

    859 Listeners

    Shameless Sex by Amy Baldwin and April Lampert| Pleasure Podcasts

    Shameless Sex

    2,993 Listeners

    Come Curious by Florence Bark & Reed | QCODE

    Come Curious

    382 Listeners

    Orgasmic Enlightenment with Kim Anami by Kim Anami

    Orgasmic Enlightenment with Kim Anami

    1,484 Listeners

    That's Orgasmic with Sexologist Emily Duncan by Emily Duncan

    That's Orgasmic with Sexologist Emily Duncan

    114 Listeners

    Sexucation for Men Podcast by Sebastian Harris Helps You to Improve Your Sex Life & Satisfy Women

    Sexucation for Men Podcast

    128 Listeners

    The Horny Housewife by Jordyn Hakes | Pleasure Podcasts

    The Horny Housewife

    1,472 Listeners

    Talk Sex with Annette (Locker Room Talk & Shots) by Talk Sex with Annette

    Talk Sex with Annette (Locker Room Talk & Shots)

    65 Listeners

    THE MONOGAMISH MARRIAGE by Kate & Liam

    THE MONOGAMISH MARRIAGE

    167 Listeners

    Luvbites by Dr. Tara by Luvbites by Dr. Tara

    Luvbites by Dr. Tara

    137 Listeners

    Girls Gone Deep by Elle and Vee

    Girls Gone Deep

    215 Listeners