In this brilliant examination of how the therapist makes use of theories and styles in order to achieve equilibrium under stress, Lawrence Friedman probes the subtle interplay of theory and practice and offers penetrating assessments of recent theories o "For the first time, the psychoanalytic theory of treatment has received the detailed, penetrating, and resourceful scrutiny hitherto reserved for psychopathology. Friedman's work appears at a critical time, when psychological efforts are under heavy attack and in need of this systematic and profound presentation." - Leston Havens, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School "It is a treasure trove of thoughtful ideas in which exposition, exploration, and criticism are harmoniously interwoven." - Steven T. Levy, M.D., Psychoanalytic Quarterly "Psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, supervisors, teachers, and students of the field will find this a rich and rewarding work. It will influence the way I supervise, teach, and talk to patients for the rest of my career." - Robert Michels, M.D.. Department of Psychiatry, Cornell University Medical College