The concept of intersubjectivity within relational psychoanalysis is explored within the context of a specific dyad: white male therapist and black male client. The observations that inspired the paper were made from the author's personal experience both as a client/patient and a trainee therapist. However, the issues explored could easily apply to any social work based relationship in which the white male performs the role of helper/carer and in which subjective interaction plays a major role. The difficulty of this particular dyad is acknowledged, due to inherited stereotypes and perceptions regarding race and masculinity. However, the author believes that there is huge potential for therapeutic work in which the white male can affirm and validate the black client and offers a few suggestions.