This document discusses therapeutic impasses in the nurse-patient relationship. It defines therapeutic impasses as blocks in the progress of the relationship that provoke intense feelings in both nurse and patient. It identifies several types of impasses that can occur, including resistance, transference, countertransference, boundary issues, and dual relationships. It also discusses impasses that can arise in different phases of the relationship, such as pre-interaction, orientation, working, and termination phases. Strategies are provided for overcoming each type of impasse, such as active listening, clarification, exploration, maintaining open communication, peer consultation, and involving supervisors.