Incidence and impacts of psychotherapists' feelings toward their clients: A review of the empirical literature

The empirical literature examining the incidence and impacts of psychotherapists' feelings of fear, anger, and attraction toward clients is reviewed, including: (a) studies reporting the incidence of psychotherapists' feelings toward their clients; (b) studies investigating the measurable impact of psychotherapists' feelings on clients, psychotherapists, and the therapeutic process; and (c) examinations of the psychotherapist-factors that affect either the incidence or impact of psychotherapists' feelings toward their clients. Fear, anger, and attraction toward clients are common experiences for psychotherapists. Many psychotherapists report that they are confused, ashamed, and stressed by these feelings. These feelings, although occasionally an important therapeutic resource, were often reported to have a direct and negative impact on the therapeutic processes or cause behaviors that were destructive. Most psychotherapists feel that they were inadequately trained to acknowledge and successfully manage these common and stressful experiences. Recommendations for research and training are provided.