Further, those engaged in ministry will encounter all kinds of psychological and sexual dynamics
like transference and counter-transference,
issues related to dual relationships, temptations
to boundary violations and sexual activity (See
Tharakan, Ch. 24 and Ch. 25, volume 2). These
dynamics surface in all types of professional helping relationships. In one survey of over
500 psychotherapists, for example, "87 percent (95 percent of men and 76 percent of women) reported being sexually attracted to their clients at least on occasion, and many (63 percent) felt guilty, anxious, or confused about this attraction" (Becker & Donovan, 1995, p. 26). Sexual attraction in ministry is a common occurrence. In itself it is not wrong that these dynamics emerge in
ministry relationships. However, it is important that one is able to recognise them and knows how to conduct oneself and what to do and not to do in such situations. Spiritual direction is especially helpful here.