Deepening Intimacy in Psychotherapy
Using the Erotic Transference and Countertransference
By (author) Florence Rosiello
Publication date:
01 September 2000Length of book:
234 pagesPublisher
Jason Aronson, Inc.ISBN-13: 9780765702654
In this provocative volume, Dr. Florence W. Rosiello addresses erotic dynamics in the treatment relationship within the context of a two-person therapy, emphasizing the necessity of mutuality and emotional reciprocity between patient and therapist. With rich clinical illustrations, she demonstrates how the intimacy created by working within the sexual dimension of the therapeutic relationship may present opportunities for insight and growth that could easily be missed if one seeks to avoid these highly charged issues. Focusing on those patients who are predisposed to relating to others in a sexualized manner, Dr. Rosiello has discovered that mutual exploration of both the therapist's and the patient's subjective experience offers a valuable and effective means of enhancing the treatment.
Dr. Florence Rosiello has written an important, pioneering book. It is composed of a collection of clinical experiences with patients who have developed erotic transferences. These experiences reflect a wide range in gender and sexual orientation configuration of patient and therapist. As Dr. Rosiello points out, the important area of erotic transference and counter-transference has, for the most part, been neglected in the clinical literature. She describes these erotic narratives with courage and sophistication. It is clear that the expression of loving and sexual feelings in the transference involves emotional risk taking on the part of the therapist. In these beautifully and sensitively written vignettes, Dr. Rosiello demonstrates that working with the erotic transference creates the basis for a very special emotional intimacy in the therapeutic relationship. This volume is highly recommended to clinicians at all levels of experience.