"Abstract: This case study researches the development of therapeutic intimacy through the eyes, feelings and mutual experiences of a therapist and client within the medium of a therapeutic relationship. Most research into the therapeutic relationship, has to date, been performed through the therapist's review of clinical notes - in isolation from the client, or through a client's review of therapy via numerous rating scales - in isolation from the therapist. The dialogical nature of this paper reverses this trend. Although the therapy lasted some five years, this paper addresses only the first three months. Th~oughout we narrate what happens, while reflecting upon and mapping the relational dynamics that unfold. Essentially, the approach described here is a Gestalt one, attending to relationship, experimentation, and immediacy. Psychodynamic influences are also seen when we examine the effects of transference and unconscious process, and humanistic and transpersonal influences are discernable when a valuing of the human condition and symbolic phenomena above and beyond the self are explored. Periodically, hindsight is shared under the heading of 'reflections'. Key words: therapy as research; therapeutic intimacy; action research; case study; gestalt; beginnings; relationship; collaborative inquiry; being; authenticity."