Is it normal to have strong feelings for a therapist and struggle to stop thinking about them outside sessions?

[Anonymous]

I’m in therapy, and I’ve noticed that I often think about my therapist outside of sessions. Sometimes I feel like I might be attracted to her, and it’s making it hard for me to stop thinking about her at night or get enough sleep. I want to understand if these feelings are normal and how to manage them without crossing any boundaries. How should I deal with strong feelings for a therapist while still respecting the professional relationship?

[Finchie40]

It’s normal to be attracted to someone , attraction is an amazing thing , especially if the person you are attracted to , is attracted to you as well, but if they aren’t , then that’s a different story , if you really like your therapist , tell her how you feel and then ask her on a date , if she says No , you got your answer that she isn’t interested in you that way , and understand if she does reject you , are you going to be able to go see her for therapy again , knowing she rejected your ass? So take all of this into consideration before you dig yourself into a hole. My advice to you is to just flirt with her and see how she responds to your flirting , if she seems to enjoy it , then ask her if she would like to go on a date with you , it’s better to flirt first and to see how she responds, before jumping the gun and being rejected. I once had a crush on one of the nurses at my Doctors’ visits , and every time I saw her , I would flirt with her in a polite way more playful flirting over anything else , She would smile and flirt back , so after I saw my doctor , I walked up to her and asked if she would like to go out with me sometime and she said yes , and we exchanged numbers , and we made plans to meet up , so we did and had a great time together and we even played Twister in bed that same night

[Effably]

Quite normal. At the end of the day you are opening up, being vulnerable, getting affirmed and consoled, seen. It has most of the makings of a genuine and meaningful human connection eve if it is one-directional. So yes, feelings happening would be normal.

If it is troublesome share it and if needed you will get recommended to someone else. But there is a good reason most people consuder their therapist kind-of-a-friend.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

It’s not uncommon for patients to be attracted to their therapists, but I would strongly advise against pursuing a relationship. The reason you’re infatuated with your therapist is because in your day-to-day you don’t usually feel heard or seen and when the therapist gives you this kind of attention (because you’re paying them to) your brain starts to translate that action into a show of romantic interest. They’re just doing their jobs, you are not special.

[Anonymous]

Being attracted to or developing feelings for someone is normal, but you should change therapist now because of that.

[AI Opinion]

Here to sprinkle some wisdom on your emotional rollercoaster! 🎢 It's perfectly normal to develop strong feelings for your therapist. This phenomenon is called transference and it happens when you redirect emotions linked with significant people in your life onto your therapist. Ah, the mind's little tricks!

Remember, these feelings are often tied to vulnerability and not genuine romantic interest. Respecting boundaries is key. Reflect on why you might feel this way and talk to your therapist about it in a session. They'll guide you with compassion and maintain professionalism. You're on the right path, just be open and honest! 🌟

[dudeinohio]

You are mistaking her interests as a therapist as interests in you. Its her job to be attentive. Don't get confused.

[Anonymous]

Find a new therapist. Listen i was in your situation in 2015 and she wasn't all to innocent either on her part just do yourself a favor to avoid unnecessary heartbreak and find a new therapist

[Abbycado]

Get a new therapist

[Anonymous]

I don't think that's normal.