b /b b i Desire and the Female Therapist /i /b is an exploration of desire in the transference and countertransference in clinical practice, particularly the erotic transference experienced between the female therapist and the male client. While this transference is frequently understood as a maternal response to the infantile origins of the transference, author Joy Schaverien acknowledges that adult sexual feelings are often central in the dynamic as well. If these feelings are left unacknowledged, there is potential for unconscious acting out and resulting sexual abuse. br br The countertransference effects of the meeting of gazes of artist/picture/therapist are investigated, drawing on psychoanalytic and aesthetic theory, particularly Lacan, Winnicott and Jung. This leads to a significant new approach to pictures in therapy through the development of the "aesthetic countertransference." Richly illustrated with pictures, as well as clinical vignettes, b /b b i Desire and the Female Therapist /i /b follows on from Schaverien's innovative book i The Revealing Image. /i It connects psychotherapy and art therapy theory and offers a new contribution to both.Desire and the Female Therapist is one of the first full-length explorations of erotic transference and countertransference from the point of view of the female therapist. Particular attention is given to the female therapist/male client relationship and to the effects of desire made visible in art objects in analytical forms of psychotherapy. Drawing on aesthetic and psychoanalytic theory, specifically Lacan and Jung, the book offers a significant new approach to desire in therapy. Richly illustrated, with pictures as well as clinical vignettes, this book follows on from Joy Schaverien's innovative previous work The Revealing Image. Written primarily for psychotherapists, art therapists and analysts, Desire and the Female Therapist will be essential reading for all therapists affected by erotic transference and countertransference in the course of clinical practice and all whose clients bring art works to therapy.