This innovative and challenging book provides a theoretical and practical framework for understanding and helping people face the challenge of living with serious physical illness. Sensitive attention is paid to the way in which gendered and cultural beliefs influence decisions about caregiving and caretaking in childhood, parental, adult and professional relationships. The author conveys the insights of clinical experience of inpatient and outpatient work in a lucid and accessible style. The book is aimed at a wide range of professionals, including counsellors, therapists, nurses, social workers, teachers, doctors and paediatricians, and will prove invaluable to to both qualified professionals and students.