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Commentaries by Lynne Layton and June Lee Kwon (this issue) take very different approaches to Whiteness. Layton's concern with how neoliberalism shapes the inner life is both an alternate and additive contribution to the imperative to include the external surround in clinical work. I argue that race must be seen on its own ground. The entitlement embedded in Whiteness and the skewed values of our meritocratic hierarchy work together to keep White people emotionally vulnerable even as we cling to and benefit from these rewards. Kwon's deeply subjective response evokes a more personal and emotional reply. As she suggests, those of us who are White have to find ways to embrace our identity and community even as we critique it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores into racial presence in psychotherapy when a White therapist works with a White patient, focusing on countertransference responses. I consider ways the sociocultural and political world shape the subjectivities of both partners in psychotherapy and how Whiteness is especially difficult to see and make use of. The need for broader analyses of interactions between inner and outer worlds becomes clear when we hold this focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the function of a crucible, known as a significant crisis, on romantic and sexual relationships. Topics covered include the connection of a crucible in disrupting relationships of married and unmarried couples, the potential of individual therapy and couples therapy in managing differences between romantic partners, and the relation of family structure beliefs on handling crucibles in relationships.

SUMMARY. How does one define infidelity m lesbian relationships? Because lesbians cannot marry, they exist outside of the law. Do lesbians, like other "outlaws," create their own code of ethics? All relationships evolve structures in response to social constraints; we must beware of transferring normative assumptions to relationships that develop within their own culture. The boundaries of lesbian relationships are not as fixed as those of heterosexual ones, partly for lack of this legal recognition and partly because they have evolved somewhat in opposition to traditional marriage. Variations on traditional relationships and the different meanings they may hold for the women who create them are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the poem "After Midnight, My Lover Unwraps," by Beverly Burch.

The article presents the poem "Referred Pain," by Beverly Burch. First Line: Season of hot-and-cold: winter months; Last Line: Nerves, streaking down the arm.

Presents the poem "Faultless," by Beverly Burch. First Line: A child wounded by birth; Last Line: the summer's last gardenias.

Presents the poem "Aubade with Frankenstein," by Beverly Burch. First Line: I dream you and I manage Frankenstein— Last Line: want to see if the brute heart gets tamed.

Presents the poem "Rhino Rock," by Beverly Burch.

Presents the poem "Damage," by Beverly Burch.

Presents the poem "Sand Trap," by Beverly Burch.

Presents the poem "Evening Inversions," by Beverly Burch.