Sex between therapists and clients: A review and analysis.

Abstract

A review of every available case of sex between therapists and clients reveals that the majority had negative effects. Specific ways in which sexual involvement develops are discussed, as are methods for dealing with the therapeutic aspects of sexual feelings and fantasies. The opposition to sexual contact between therapists and clients is powerful, almost as strong as the incest taboo. Only recently have opposing viewpoints appeared in print that discuss the possibility of positive outcomes of patient-therapist contacts. Those who suggest that sexual contact may not be all negative have occasioned great controversy within the professional community. Regardless of what position an individual takes on this issue, it is evident that erotic contacts do take place, and that they are more prevalent than the professional community would like to acknowledge. There is a need not only to explore the negative and positive consequences of such re