Bonime shows in relation to a case of traumatic war neurosis how the traumatic experience represents the patient's previous life experience in an intensified fashion. The goal in brief psychotherapy, as in any psychotherapy, is that of equipping the individual to deal independently with his life problems subsequent to treatment. Although the depth of insight may vary, one seeks more than the mere alleviation of acute distress. Long established personality trends must be evaluated along with precipitating circumstances.

The author formulates the following principles of brief psychotherapy: 1.