ABSTRACT
This scenario is not an uncommon experience for many therapists and demonstrates that sexual ethics in psychotherapy is much more complex than the mandate, “Don’t have sex with your clients.” Couple and family therapists are likely to face a broad range of sexual ethical dilemmas that comes with the territory of the intimate nature of their work. The need for a wider lens regarding sexual ethics is highlighted by findings that a majority of therapists have experienced feelings of sexual attraction toward clients, but never engaged in sexual relations with clients (Blonna, 2014; Nickell, Hecker, Ray, & Bercik, 1995). This chapter addresses the wider lens of sexual ethics by exploring sexual attraction to clients, sexual harassment, sexual intimacy with current and former clients, discussing sex and sexuality in therapy, and warning signs for couple and family therapists.
