This talk will focus on the meaning and purpose of the erotic transference in psychotherapy, the boundary issues raised when working with the terminally ill, and the reason for abstinence when dealing with intense transference – countertransference dynamics.
The first part of the talk will be a case presentation and lecture. This is a story of love and death mediated in psychotherapy. When a patient in psychotherapy is confronted with a life-threatening illness the therapeutic relationship inevitably intensifies. The work becomes time limited but the end date is uncertain. Boundaries of the analytic frame may come under extreme pressure especially when an erotic transference –countertransference dynamic emerges. A series of dreams reveals how, as analysis deepens, the pace of individuation quickens. Theoretical and clinical material will give the background to what is hoped will be a lively discussion.
All counsellors and psychotherapists, both qualified and in training, will find this a valuable day where they will have the space and the expert guidance to:
- Think more about working with the dying in psychotherapy
- Think about the challenges and implications of working with erotic transference and dreams
- Explore the countertransference issues faced in both these situations.
