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Incest: The Father and The Male Therapist
Author(s) -
Mann David
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
british journal of psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1752-0118
pISSN - 0265-9883
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-0118.1989.tb01273.x
Subject(s) - psychology , psychotherapist
ABSTRACT. This paper examines the special issues relating to a male therapist working with incest survivors. Recent literature is reviewed. The therapist/patient relationship is then looked at in general terms. Areas where the therapist may be identified with the aggressor father are then discussed. Finally erotic aspects of the relationship are examined in detail. It is proposed that incestuous attraction is part of a healthy maturational process. It is suggested that by dealing with his incestuous fantasies the therapist clarifies rather than blurs sexual boundaries. A male therapist may heal the primary lesion with male authority figures enabling the patient to experience an intimate relationship with a man that is non‐exploitative.