Erotic transference is one of the most misunderstood—and often most feared—phenomena in psychotherapy. When sexual or romantic feelings emerge toward a therapist, clients may feel confused, ashamed, or worried that something has gone wrong. Therapists, too, can feel anxious about how to respond appropriately. Yet from a therapeutic perspective, erotic transference is neither unusual nor pathological. When handled ethically and skillfully, it can become a powerful doorway into