Sex Between Therapists and Clients

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends that the issue of sex between therapists and their patients is not a new one, and that the potential problems that could arise from such a relationship have been considered since the beginnings of the practice of therapy. From the beginning of the modern therapeutic relationship, therapists have themselves recognized the harm that could result from sexual involvement with patients. Such prohibitions within the field of medicine as a whole have ancient roots: The Hippocratic oath, which forbid doctors to have sex with their patients so as to preserve the sanctity of their relationship. This paper details various reports and studies on this subject. The American Psychological Association (APA) suspends or expels 12 of its members each year on average for various forms of patient exploitation, of which almost all are sexual. Studies have shown that a number of specific characteristics make certain attributes of patients more sexually attractive. These include: Physical attractiveness, positive mental or cognitive traits and sexuality. This paper explores the various courses of action to be taken if a client feels exploited in anyway by his/her therapist. This paper also details the potential problems, to the patient that could arise from such a relationship which include: The client having difficulty in trusting future therapists. They are not able to make changes without trusting the therapist. The client may sit huddled, avoid making eye contact, withhold important information or may even cancel appointments.

From the Paper:

"It is critical for the therapist to seek help from a friend, supervisor or any one else who can help ensure that the therapist does not act in a manner that will interfere with the client's best interests. The APA had strict guidelines and ethical principles, along with a formal code of conduct, to help its members set boundaries for themselves in Document four. In Document four, it explains how a therapist should conduct himself or herself when they face with a possible sexual relationship with a client. It is obvious that the APA Stance of therapist and client relations is very strict. And, the study that was conducted by Pope Ken Velter in 1972 is very true for the modern society."

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