no worries, Miss Plum. "Transference" is a common occurence in your field. In the U.S. this is usually discussed with one's supervisor or at group roundtables. It's purpose is to relieve you of the stress and to ensure that countertranference does not take place.

And believe me, you are not full of yourself...in fact, just the opposite. I see a very caring person and one honest enough to discuss her concerns.

Have a chat with your ward psychologist. I'm sure this person will be happy to work with you on this matter.

🤗

I don't think you're going to hurt her by taking the time to explain why the situation would not be appropriate. I'm pretty sure she already knows. Use the opening to help her understand her own feelings. If she has been isolated due to things which have happened in her past, her overture to you is just a first step towards her learning how to identify others she can trust and then how to respond. Think of a person who is drowning. They will grab onto someone trying to save them and pull both down. It takes some skill on your part to avoid this without losing her trust. Many people in similar conditions are used to seeing the world in terms of people who use them and people they can use. It can take some time to learn how beneficial relationships actually work, or even to believe such relationships can exist at all. Can you share this confidentially with someone in the institution to help you navigate the situation?

What a mess. She obviously has bonded with you. Not your fault. Still you must draw lines and boundaries. Can you have someone else talk with her? You have to be careful as she is fragile. She has feelings about you because you care. Likely she has been abused and neglected and more. You must talk with someone in your profession or another professional about how to handle this. You have drawn lines. She needs them. Talk to someone. And thank you for the job that you do. Be careful of your precious heart too.

[quote]Today she kissed me and told me she had feelings towards me. I have no idea what to do. [/quote]

Ask her if she was kissing [i]you[/i], or the guy you dreamed yourself to be the other night. 😉

Just kidding. Wow.... hmmmm. Just realize where she’s been, what she’s been through, and try to keep a distance as best you can. If you’re really concerned, you may want to report it to work so they make sure you aren’t put into any close situations with her.

You do have to be very careful. You are walking a very narrow path. It might be best to ask some of the professionals in her life how to proceed.

Her becoming emotionally and physically attracted to you is very common . You are kind , engaging , and pretty... and she wants that . Don’t feel guilty, that is just human nature . You have done nothing wrong .

I wish I knew what advice to give. Sorry you're having to deal with this. Do you have professional colleagues that you can discuss this with?

I'd definitely tell someone at work..IE your boss. I have no idea about your field, however this could backfire on you and you could possibly be punished for not informing your supervisor. You might find this patient is known for doing this behaviour and you might just be the latest target.

She has romantic feelings towards you ? That can get really problematic and you have to stop that from turning into a mess for you and her . Tell her that you cannot let her kiss you and you are just there to help her .