A Life Yet to Be Found

Abstract

The author describes her own experience with vulnerability in the clinical setting, elaborating on three of its constitutive sources: specific aspects of the clinical work, the practitioner’s idiosyncratic characteristics, and significant historical events. She focuses on psychotherapeutic work with clients who present a marked difficulty in maintaining a sense of internal aliveness. Aspects of the practitioner’s vulnerability are discussed in relation to the challenges that arise in the presence of such persistent lack of vitality. The final part of the article emphasizes the ethical necessity of the practitioner both bearing the vulnerability inherent in this work and developing resilience. A case example illustrates the author’s understanding of such complex work.