Examines research in the fields of child abuse and psychotherapy, reviewing historically changing attitudes towards childhood abuse and the consequences of cultural context on approaches to treatment. Reviews testimonies of the therapeutic process from clients and therapists, including therapists who were themselves abused as children. These testimonies form a basis for the discussion of specific issues, such as becoming a client, talking about abuse and what happens when things go wrong in therapy. Tackles the controversy surrounding "Recovered Memory" and child abuse and assesses the implications for the future durection of counselling and therapy.