A Psychodynamic Profile of Therapists Who Sexually Exploit Their Clients

Abstract

This paper reviews recent literature pertaining to therapists who sexually exploit their clients. It examines some of the common characteristics that have been identified in therapists who abuse, and the psychosexual factors in their background. It goes on to discuss the dynamics which may prevail in the event of therapist abuse. Research suggests that therapists who exploit their role will only do so if they are in some way dysfunctional (Russell 1993). Similarly, therapists who abuse are found to have severe problems with their own sexual identities and experience a considerable amount of sexual anxiety and guilt in their personal relationships (Strean 1993b). It is suggested that their own unresolved conflicts take precedence over those of their clients and unconsciously they harbour a deep antipathy towards the practice of psychotherapy (Strean 1993a).