The intimate hour

by Susan Baur

Drawing on hundreds of instances of mutual attraction, from historical annals to interviews with therapists, patients, and clergy, Baur show that the stories to be told are rarely simple ones. Certainly there are clear-cut cases of abuse - and Baur is unequivocal in stating that sex has absolutely no place in therapy. But abusive relationships in fact make up only a small fraction of cases. Much more often, people find themselves occupying a gray area of emotion. There are those who are lovestruck, enamored of the attention they find for the first time. There are those who feel an overwhelming sympathy that they believe is reciprocal. And sometimes there are those who are really, truly in love. But whatever their feelings are labeled, these people are left with nowhere to turn for advice or help, fearing scandal or professional censure. Baur brings uncommon empathy to their dilemma, whether they are male or female, patient or therapist. . In fact, as she shows, feelings of love and att