ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a memoir essay on the therapeutic relationship that began with the death of the writer’s father during her adolescence and ended with the death of the writer’s therapist seventeen years later. The chapter addresses how the therapist and client faced the therapist’s terminal illness, including navigating boundaries around discussion of the illness, maintaining a vital practice, preparing for death, terminating, and continuing life after the loss. The author reflects on her internalization of the therapeutic practice and relationship, as well as on the complex processing of her father’s death in therapy, which prepared her to face the eventual death of her therapist. She connects her growth – as an individual, an art therapist, and an artist – to her analysis.
