Key Facts
- Podcast
- Death, Sex & Money
- Host
- Anna Sale
- Publication date
- August 4, 2026
- Expert
- Sally Openshaw, psychologist
- Listener story
- Caroline, started therapy as a teenager
- Therapist's age
- 45 years old
Background
Slate's podcast Death, Sex & Money, hosted by Anna Sale, has released an episode exploring romantic feelings that can arise in therapy. The episode, published on August 4, 2026, features listener stories and expert commentary on the phenomenon known as erotic transference.
The podcast, which debuted at the top of the iTunes chart in 2014, has received multiple accolades, including being named the No. 1 podcast of the year by New York magazine in 2015. Host Anna Sale won a Gracie for best podcast host in 2016, and the show won the 2018 Webby and the 2021 and 2026 Ambie for best interview show.
Current Situation
In the episode, a listener named Caroline shares her experience of developing romantic feelings for her therapist. Caroline began therapy as a teenager due to depression. After a couple of years, she expressed a fantasy to her therapist, telling him, 'I had a vision of us dancing to Pachelbel’s Canon.'
Caroline's therapist was 45 years old and married at the time. Despite this, they soon started a romantic relationship. The episode also includes insights from Sally Openshaw, a psychologist and expert who studies erotic transference.
The show invites listeners to share their own stories and encourages support through Slate Plus membership, which offers ad-free podcasts and bonus content.
Impacts
The episode highlights the emotional complexities that can occur in therapeutic relationships, potentially affecting both clients and therapists. For clients like Caroline, developing romantic feelings can lead to significant personal dilemmas and may influence their therapeutic progress.
For therapists, navigating such situations requires professional boundaries and ethical considerations. The expert commentary from Sally Openshaw aims to provide understanding and guidance for those who may experience similar feelings.
Listeners who have faced similar situations may find validation and insight, while the broader conversation could encourage more open discussion about a topic often considered taboo.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If more people share their experiences, the conversation around erotic transference could become more mainstream, potentially leading to better support systems for both clients and therapists.
The podcast may continue to explore related topics, and if expert insights are widely disseminated, they could inform therapeutic practices and training.
However, it remains unclear whether such discussions will lead to changes in professional guidelines or public perception, as the episode focuses primarily on personal narratives rather than policy recommendations.
Source: slate.com
