[Countertransference and institutional stakes. The institution grappling with the ambivalence of state limit]

A paradoxal clinical case is described. First paradox: a patient borderline concerning personality, I.Q. and height involves all the medical and paramedical staff in her ambivalence. Second paradox: few members of the staff built with her a strong therapeutic link which allows to overcome the majority's negative countertransference. Third paradox: from a defensive behaviour, the patient succeeds to express her deep humanity through her drawings and poems. She is now taking the way of the autonomy.