ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses winding up and winding down relationships, and provides data about good and bad experiences of each, and any views that they had on what constitutes good practice in ending mentoring. Much of the pragmatic literature on mentoring does not even acknowledge this sense of loss. The psychodynamic cases emphasize the effect of the end point on the dynamism in the relationship, and the need to work through hurt and a disruptive response leading to relinquishing of attachment. In Levinson et al. s writing a psychodynamic view is taken, drawing on Eriksons view of generativity, which is primarily the concern in establishing and guiding the next generation. If this need is denied, the older individual is left with a pervading sense of stagnation and personal impoverishment. A separation phase, during which time the established nature of the relationship is substantially altered by structural changes in the organizational context and/or by psychological changes within one or both individuals.
