Sarah Usher's work is an excellent introductory text on psychodynamic psychotherapy technique. The book is very readable and describes complex psychoanalytic concepts in unusually clear language. Typical questions that beginning practitioners often have, but may be too afraid or embarrassed to ask, are addressed here, and practical answers that are useful and thought-provoking are provided. The book is written with humility, a sense of humour, and is, overall, very welcoming, particularly for the psychodynamic practitioner trainee or recent graduate. Moreover, this book could also benefit trainees involved in other types of psychotherapy.

The preface sets the tone for the book and provides critical information for contemporary audiences. Usher states, “Rumours that long-term treatment is dead have been greatly exaggerated” (p. ix). This is a nice way of recognizing the challenges faced by psychodynamic practitioners, while at the same time providing hope. The author offers empirical evidence for the