ABSTRACT
Chapter 13 describes the case of Claire, an intellectually gifted woman who has always felt like an outsider in her family of origin. Because of her academic strengths and interpersonal skills, Claire is able to access scholarly and vocational pathways toward success. Juggling multiple roles, as a single mother and respected employee and mentor, Claire is tasked also to navigate ongoing tensions with her parents, and efforts to establish autonomy regarding her decisions and personal life. Her clinical presentation focuses on the impact of a collegial relationship that appears to awaken confusing questions regarding identity, love and leadership potential.
