A review of the literature on sexual intimacy in psychotherapy revealed that male therapists were involved in sexual intimacies significantly more than were female therapists (approximately nine percent versus two percent). The research clearly shows that the overall effects of sexual intimacy are negative, ranging from clients experiencing difficulty in trusting a subsequent therapist to clients committing suicide. The sexualized therapeutic relationship appears to arise out of the vulnerabilities and/or conflicts of both the client (transference) and the therapist (countertransference). Awareness of the difference in status and power in therapy focuses on the abuse that may occur in the present, real relationship. In addition, the cultural situation allows male therapists' countertransference needs to be acted out sexually. Two steps appear necessary to the prevention of therapist-client sexual intimacy. First, the therapist should take a diagnostic approach to recognizing clients who are likely to be vulnerable to acting out sexually in therapy. Second, the therapist needs to take regular self-inventories of his or her own intimacy needs and to be aware of increased vulnerability in times of stress. Unfortunately, much of the research has failed to uncover the distinguishing characteristics of the sexually intimate therapist. (Author/NB)