The care-giving relationship: paradoxical and transcendent aspects.

Care-givers have always lived with the paradox that they are supposed to care deeply about their clients, but not get too involved. In addition, caring itself has been viewed as dangerous for the one caring, such that care-givers are urged not to care too much, for fear of burnout (Maslach, 1983). In spite of these admonitions successful care-givers and therapists continue to get involved with clients, often in ways that have profound significance for both of them, though professionals may rarely talk to each other about these experiences.