Putting the other first; Psychotherapists lived experience of Agape in the therapeutic relationship

Abstract

This study is concerned with the lived experiences of psychotherapists’ and counseling psychologists’ love (agape) towards their clients. Different theorists refer to the agape as a type of love that is suitable in the therapeutic context. Therapist’s agape could be a necessary and sufficient condition in order for what Bowlby named a secure attachment between therapist and client, a model of relationship that predicts improved therapy outcome. The individual meaning of the therapist’s agape for the client is examined by interviewing five Greek experienced psychotherapists. Major themes include Love in the Therapeutic Relationship, Manifestations of Therapist’s Love , Effects of Love on the Client, Therapist’s Experience of Love, Risks and Dangers of Love and Train to Love. Results are discussed as well as implications for psychotherapeutic practice and further research.