I'm going to step in here, because I think this is a very good thread that has gotten a little off-track. Some members have turned this thread into something different, and I apologize we didn't catch this sooner and remove the off-topic posts (or at least them to a different thread).

I don't find it particularly beneficial to try and "diagnose" a person from afar. So while it might be an intellectually interesting exercise to put labels onto others who come here asking for help or advice, ultimately I don't think it helps us understand the person who's asking for advice. Labels don't explain, they identify. And by their very nature, they offer broad generalizations that don't very much help the individual in need.

Let me assure you rainbow that nearly all patients think about crossing boundaries, and many do it. Most of the boundary "violations" (as professionals call them) are minor and easily taken care of in session. Some, like the one stormy had, are more serious and harder to rectify with continuing therapy with the individual.

Thinking about and Googling a therapist -- even where they live -- is not a bad thing. It occurs all the time, whether therapists realize it or not, and it's the result of putting an unlimited information resource into everybody's hands -- the Internet. I can't imagine an ordinary person who might not have such curiosity.

From what I can tell, that's the extent of your behaviors, and thinking -- last time I checked -- isn't a crime. This isn't <em>1984.</em>

People in situations similar to yours have sometimes found it helpful to satiate their curiosity as best they can online, without taking further action. As previously mentioned in this thread, while it may seem like actually seeing the house or apartment in person would be the ultimate satiation, it probably wouldn't be. Once a boundary is crossed, it's sometimes exciting or exhilarating to keep going. You might benefit from finding ways to distract you from this, and to find a way to live with the existing knowledge you do have about your therapist.

I would like to say that I don't think you've done anything wrong. You're grappling with a difficult compulsion, but one that doesn't seem to be particularly strong or one that you haven't already found ways to try and work around. I would continue to fight it, and if possible, talk further with your therapist about it. Even though it may make the therapist feel uncomfortable further talking about it, that is their issue, not yours (and something they should deal with on their own in their own therapy, not take it out on you other than to say the subject makes them feel uncomfortable).

DocJohn