This paper explores the psychological effects of colonisation and the power relationship that develops between coloniser and colonised. External and internal aspects of the idea of the colonisation of the personality and the structure of racism are described, and the inter-psychic and intra-psychic relationship between coloniser and colonised explored. It is suggested that feelings of humiliation, shame and guilt are one aspect of the colonial relationship. These themes are illustrated by extracts from psychotherapy with two adolescents sent to this country from Hong Kong. The psychotherapy took place during the time of the transfer of power from Britain to China. Transference and countertransference issues are discussed, and questions raised about the relative influence of personal and cultural concerns in the therapeutic relationship. Tentative conclusions are drawn.