Erotic Transference and Countertransference:"A View from the Bridge: Where Do We Go from Here"
Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts
Boulder, Colorado, October 18-21, 2000

Erotic Transference and Countertransference:

Issues of Ethics and Soul

Nancy Qualls-Corbett


Like a shade this topic haunts us. The more we try to deny or repress it, a shadowy cloak surrounds us. Or conversely, not unlike the Inquisition, witch hunts or a modern day Kenneth Starr investigation, our conscious righteous indignation rigidly controls the letter of the law--not the spirit of the law--and the unconscious grows darker. In our profession life, as well as our non-profession life, the psychological process of erotic transference and countertransference is ever present guiding or manipulating not only our lives but those others for whom we have sensuous feelings. And thank God that these emotions are there! These emotions are indicators that an aspect of the unconscious in analysand and analyst alike have been touched and that there is an analytical bond. Jung in his lengthy first meeting with Freud writes that Freud "asked him what he thought of the transference [phenomenon]. [Jung] responded with deep conviction, 'that it is the alpha and omega of the analytic method.' whereon Freud responded, 'Then you have grasped the main thing.'" (1) Regardless of how uncomfortable our feelings may be when dealing with transference/countertransference issues, we cannot discount their importance. How we deal with these enlivened stirrings deep within, how we consciously choose to act or unconsciously react to the quickening or the thrilling power of erotic sensations is that which I wish to address this morning. First I would like to recount some of what Jung and others wrote about this issue, and second, recall some myths which may amplify a destructive outcome of an erotic transference and countertransference. In closing I will present other myths and stories which hopefully indicate a positive resolution.