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The contents of Dr Wallerstein's book are so rich that in a review such as this no attempt can be made to summarize its various chapters. Several points, however, which drew my attention, will be discussed.
In the first chapter, it is made clear that the behaviour and cognitive functions of a patient with an organic brain disturbance is the result not only of his cerebral dysfunction but also of his regression as an emotional reaction to his loss of functioning.
During psychoanalytic treatment, the image that the patient acquires of the analyst is determined by the transference neurosis. Sometimes delusions can originate if the reality-testing function is lost and the patient is no longer capable of experiencing his own feelings as a transference phenomenon. This is discussed in chapter II, 'Reconstruction and Mastery in the Transference Psychosis.' It is striking again and again to see how strongly convinced of their judgement patients can be when influenced by a transference neurosis. The intensity and duration of the symptoms will determine whether they are psychotic or neurotic. Everyone—certainly everyone influenced by strong transference feelings—can make faulty interpretations of reality. The inability to correct this interpretation implies the development of a transference psychosis.
Further, the contents of this book can be classified in general as: (1) psychotherapy and the relation of psychotherapy to psychoanalysis; (2) research in psychotherapy; and (3) several topics with strong social implications. In the chapters concerning psychotherapy and the relation of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, it is clearly stated that these two techniques must not be compared in one but, rather, in several aspects. Dr Wallerstein disputes the idea that the contrast psychoanalysis–psychotherapy coincides with the contrast psychoanalysis–suggestion. Other approaches must be considered as well: e.g. suggestion, abreaction, clarification, interpretation, giving ad