It is important to acknowledge from the outset that the work of a therapist is very intimate between therapist and client at any time. When children are the recipients of therapy, the intimacy of this relationship is intensified and extends directly to and impacts the child's parents or guardians. This is crucial with children who do not necessarily understand the nature of and reason for physical contact and manipulation of their bodies by someone outside their family, whether based on age and maturity or ability to communicate. It is important to be aware of this frame of reference because it exists prior to and independent of the therapeutic intervention itself, and is the preassessment starting point. This is the essence of where a respectful therapeutic relationship begins. Like most relationships, the therapeutic partnership is the strongest when a tone is set and reinforced based on values of shared learning and ethical treatment of all partners, especially children. That's the good news: The emotional dimension makes for more successful therapy. The corollary is that when the attachment between client, family, and the therapist is deeper and more intense, transitions--especially endings--are challenging and even threatening for everyone. Losing a therapist one trusts can feel something like a death in the family, and there is no way around it: it doesn't feel very good. But the sadness and discomfort may be a direct reflection of just how valued a therapist's work has been. It can also serve as an opportunity to help teach the child, and parents, one of life's most important skills: How to say good-bye.