ABSTRACT
It is the essence of humanistic practice is to negotiate subtle boundaries, to gradually become wholly human in a “real” relationship. This means people run the risk when showing our humanity in the therapeutic relationship of being seen and, in being seen, being misinterpreted, and potentially abused by clients. Both the client and the therapist need to take risks in order for the therapy to be effective. The need to acknowledge difficulties as an inevitable part of the life of therapy, rather than something to be eradicated by ethical codes and/or legislation, feels very human, and all too humanly complex. Fantasies of regaining some power, being able to put the therapist out of work, or of openly naming and shaming her, might take over from staying with the author's feelings of hurt or disappointment. Mediation between an aggrieved client and an anxious therapist needs to retain a focus on moving forward, either together or individually.
