Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
10-1997
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Source Publication
Journal of Counseling Psychology
Source ISSN
0022-0167
Abstract
Interviews were conducted with 13 predoctoral psychology interns about an experience of sexual attraction toward a client, use of supervision to address the sexual attraction, and prior training regarding sexual attraction. Results indicated that sexual attraction to clients consisted of physical and interpersonal aspects. Therapists believed they were more invested and attentive than usual to clients to whom they were sexually attracted, and they indicated that sexual attraction created distance, distraction, and loss of objectivity. In terms of supervision, only half of the participants disclosed their sexual attraction to supervisors, and supervisors seldom initiated the discussion. Furthermore, trainees found it helpful when supervisors normalized the sexual attraction and provided the opportunity to explore feelings in supervision. Finally, trainees believed their training programs did not adequately address therapist sexual attraction.
Recommended Citation
Ladany, Nicholas; O'Brien, Karen M.; Hill, Clara E.; Melincoff, Deborah S.; Knox, Sarah; and Peterson, David A., "Sexual Attraction Toward Clients, Use of Supervision, and Prior Training: A Qualitative Study of Predoctoral Psychology Interns" (1997). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 454.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/454
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Counseling Psychology, Vol. 44, No. 4 (October 1997): 413-424. DOI. © 2019 American Psychological Association. Used with permission.
Sarah Knox was affiliated with the University of Maryland - College Park at the time of publication.