The authors examine two models of dynamic brief psychotherapy from the points of view of their theoretical substructure and clinical utility. Davanloo works with a classical model of mental disorder. He therefore considers it the task of the therapist actively to expose and resolve the patient's nuclear oedipal conflict. Object-relations theory and the idea that narcissism has its own developmental line inform Mann's focus on a specific issue which has caused the patient's pain or diminished self-esteem, and away from issues of intrapsychic conflict. He therefore tends to be empathic rather than confrontational. Both treatments seem to afford good clinical results. It is possible that each is attractive to the sort of patient who can utilize it effectively. The authors believe it is more likely that these very different approaches are equally effective because each offers the patient a similar opportunity to discover a coherent cognitive and emotional explanation of his or her presenting problem.