Abstract
According to Levinson, the late thirties represent a period of "coming into one's own" which is followed by a phase of crisis and transition. For several reasons this crisis is often exacerbated for the psychologist working in an institution. The different paths taken by psychologists to resolve their turmoil lead to a variety of outcomes, of which establishing a private practice is just one. The success of this transition depends on the presence or absence of personality traits necessary in the practitioner.