ABSTRACT
In writing this paper, it became clear to me that the topic of “scandal” and treating the scandalous patient falls into the “unspeakable” category encompassed by the three U’s – Unknowable, Unspeakable, and Unsprung. In what follows, I will begin with my story of helping to organize a panel and series of papers on the topic of scandal. I will then discuss scandal in general and offer a clinical example that illustrates the countertransference reaction of disgust on the one hand, and fascination on the other. Finally, I will place this reaction in the context of the therapist’s reactions to a patient who may have engaged in scandalous behavior.
