When Patients Fall in Love with their Psychiatrist: Sex, Boundaries, Frame, and Liability
Update: 2025-08-19
Description
In this episode, we examine the complex phenomenon of erotic transference in psychiatric care and the critical role of maintaining ethical boundaries. Using the therapeutic frame as our guide, we unpack how patients may develop romantic or sexual feelings toward their psychiatrist… especially during medication management… and why strong boundaries and reality testing are essential to safeguard the treatment process. Drawing on clinical experience and ethical principles, this episode offers clinicians strategies for addressing counter-transference, reinforcing the therapeutic alliance, and knowing when referral or supervision is necessary to protect both patient welfare and professional integrity.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psychofarm.substack.com
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