ABSTRACT
Love is a word that is underused in the world of therapy in part because of a paucity of clinical vocabulary. Agape introduces a more appropriate version of love than eros for the therapy hour. Eros naturally arises in psychotherapy as erotic transference and countertransference and is a necessary dynamic in many treatments, as long as it is not acted out by either party. Familiarity with their Jungian shadow helps therapists preserve agape and eschew eros. If therapists maintain connection to their hearts while harnessing the power of the shadow, they can awaken wisdom, love, and compassion in trauma therapy.
