Clinical issues

My first post in response to this issue didn't go through so I'll try it again.It seems to me , by reading this thread, that there is no theoretical/empirical basis for"judging" or "patholosizing" clients' sexual behavior. It seems to be very stongly influenced by the belief system of the therapist- countertransference, in short. Sexual issues elicit powerful reactions and judgements in both therapist and client. IMO, my tasks include to suspend judgement, and , since the client is seeking help to relieve pain in their life,help them to identify the sources of their pain, consider alternatives, judge for themselves what is working and what is not, develop insight,support and take action that ameliorates their pain in a long-term rewarding manner. If I moralize or react on my subjectively-determined values, attitudes or beliefs, I risk alienating my client or manipulating them to fulfill my agenda rather than grow in the ways they need to grow .

• How far can you carry that? by Mr. J, 1/12/99