A term from
psychotherapy, originated by
Freud. Simply put, it describes the situation where the
therapist, who is supposed to be neutral and
emotionally unattached to the patient and their situation, starts to place their own feelings, thoughts and beliefs into the
theraputic process.
It can range from minor problems-"she reminds me of my first girlfriend, I wonder what she thinks of me..." to major problems- intimate relationships with patients.
Freud would agree with Jimmy Carter that lust in the heart is still lust, and wrong. Freud, and most modern psychologists, warn therapists against this, while
acknowledging that it is as common as rain in Seattle.