The development of an analytic relationship is presented through selected clinical moments over a six-year period. The central challenge is the creation of a relationship with an analysand whose other relationships have been defined principally by pervasive and severe sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, beginning in infancy. This pattern has been repeated in her other important relationships. Now, this analyst and analysand explore the creation of a relationship within which the analysand can feel, tolerate, express and regulate her own feelings, needs, longings and desires. They work to create patterns of satisfying mutual regulation that will begin to disrupt destructive patterns of self-regulation. The challenges of developing trust between analyst and analysand and forging a working relationship with a patient who has experienced significant levels of abuse in intimate relationships is detailed through the presentation of actual clinical material.