The Countertransference

Erotic, Erotised and Perverse

Bibliographic Data

ID8971503
AuthorsEmanuele Bonasia (Turin, corresponding author)
Year2001
Volume82
Issue2
Pages249-262
Publication date2001-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe International Journal of Psychoanalysis (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7578 • E-ISSN: 1745-8315
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1516/y9ua-ja7u-3xvj-rvb4
PMID11341061
OpenAlexW2155035800
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited9

The author begins by drawing attention to the dearth of psychoanalytic theory on the sexual countertransference, which he attributes largely to embarrassment associated with the personal superego and to fear of censure by the psychoanalytic community. After a review of the relevant literature, he points out that the term 'countertransference' arose in the context of misbehaviour by the early analysts and that the countertransference was originally seen as something to be controlled and suppressed, partly for the sake of the reputation of psychoanalysis. Theoretical and normative reasons are adduced for the disappearance of sexuality from psychoanalytic scenarios, and the wish for sexual contact with patients is discussed. While it may be deemed perfectly normal for an analyst to have erotic feelings towards patients of either sex, psychopathology is, in the author's view, involved only if he acts out. Clinical illustrations are given of manifestations of the sexual countertransference in its erotic, erotised and perverse forms, which the author considers it important to distinguish. He concludes that the relative absence of theory on the subject means that not enough clinical use is made of the sexual countertransference, which he sees as of great potential value to therapist and patient alike

Context (archaeology · Countertransference · Embarrassment · Epistemology · Feeling · Human sexuality · Normative · Psychoanalysis · Psychoanalytic theory · Psychotherapist · Sexual desire · Sociology · Subject (documents · Transference · Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology · Gender Studies · Philosophy · Psychoanalysis and Social Critique · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology · Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy

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