ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ‘erotic’ (or embodiedness of two people in a relationship) in the form of a matrix map which utilises a continuum from the ‘real’ to the ‘transference’ relationship and further considers this across a dimension from the ‘ordinarily embodied’ to the ‘genital sexual’. It is envisioned that this matrix will offer a broader map than the frequent discussed and more narrow focus in the literature, that of the ‘erotic transference’. The map places the ‘erotic’ into a broader embodied map, places sensuality and sexuality into the therapeutic encounter and invites non-shaming reflexivity. It is likely to be of use as a reflexive aid to clinicians, supervisors, educators, and those currently in training. As a conceptual tool this map invites reflection of the wholeness of two people engaging in an ‘embodied’ relationship within a humanistic integrative paradigm. The chapter focusses on each of the four dimensions – whilst always acknowledging that there is a continuum involved. Issues for clinical work will be considered across this model, illuminated with case vignettes.
