Research shows that patients are more likely to establish a good therapeutic relationship when they have good interpersonal and communication skills. For example, patients are more likely to form good relationships with their therapists when they are open and honest about their needs.
Do therapists and clients fall in love?
They have emotions, feelings and opinions, just like any other person. You can love your therapist platonically, and they may even feel that way too. In fact, it is said that over 80% of therapists have had some form of attraction towards their clients at least once in their career.
The American Psychological Association Code of Ethics, Section 10.05, states that psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/patients. In most all states, laws prohibiting sex with clients are limited to current or recent clients.
Do therapist think about their clients?
Ideally, therapists are sensitive to the ways each individual has been hurt. Good therapists aim to see their clients without the overlays on their personality generated by the past, and they take steps to help them eventually see themselves this same way.
Do therapists get angry with clients?
Nearly every clinician has experienced an intense emotion during a client session. Perhaps it was grief as a client described the death of her 5-year-old son. Maybe it was anger triggered by the client who consistently shows up late.