For instance, in cross-gender treatments with male therapists, heterosexual women may be seductive and flattering, attempting to enlist the therapist in a scenario in which he is an ideal romantic lover. Many therapists have been told that they are more sensitive, intelligent and compassionate than the patient's callous, self-involved, demanding and critical spouse. Although heterosexual men in treatment with female therapists may be seductive as well, they are more likely to include the therapist in pornographic fantasies. The form that this wish takes, however, differs between the sexes. Both men and women may respond to anxieties emergent in the therapeutic situation with sexual activity.
Women are more likely to become involved in ongoing relationships with inappropriate partners.
They are also more likely to become involved in self-destructive, procreationally motivated sexual activity that may lead to unwanted pregnancy. In both men and women, an important function of unconsciously motivated sexual activity is to divert attention from conflictual issues emerging during treatment that are deeply threatening. The patient is not aware of this and unconsciously believes that the dramatic sexual activities are the main reason for their psychic distress. There are many reasons for this, including evolutionary, hormonal and psychosocial factors. In the psychotherapeutic situation, just as intense sexual fantasy and activity may have a defensive function, so too may sexual inhibition.