This paper describes the importance of exploring the negative transference in the long-term dynamic treatment of the adult sexually abused by her parents in childhood. Through two extended clinical vignettes, the author outlines the emergence of two components of the negative transference: (1) developmental deprivation, experienced by the patient as disappointment in the relative unavailability of the therapist; and (2) reenactment of the abusive elements of the original sadomasochistic object relationship of childhood. The paper elucidates the working-through process of the negative transference, including: (1) its role in broader therapeutic change; (2) considerations of proper timing in clarifying its components; and (3) common countertransference responses to its manifestations. Together, these elaborations of transference and countertransference issues highlight and enrich the nature of therapeutic work with sexually abused patients.