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The title of this short volume is deceptively unclear, resembling as it does, the book by Dr. Suess entitled, On Beyond Zebra. I would prefer the longer subtitle, When the Therapist's Real Life Intrudes (Into the Therapeutic Relationship). In the nonexistent situation of a Platonic ideal, the word transference would refer to the patient's projections, of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that have resulted from internalized images of the past, onto the therapist. In the nonexistent, ideal situation neither the identity nor the behavior of the therapist would make a difference. While one might agree that the patient's transferences are influenced in more ways than one might wish, by the identity and behavior of the therapist, this book aims to go beyond those assumptions. The aim is further reflected in the titles of the chapters.
This multi-authored work has the usual advantages of expertise and the disadvantages of repetition and lack of integration. In brief, the book gains breadth and loses depth. I would, nevertheless, recommend this book as a reference for all of us, especially for our younger colleagues who are generally less experienced in the interpersonal situation of doctor and patient. While our younger colleagues have the great advantage of superior knowledge of the latest insights into the biological world of the brain, they have been compelled to be less trained in psychotherapy and in the subtleties of personal interaction with patients. Additionally, much of the material of this book deals with events in the life of the established therapist which are generally not present in the life of the younger therapist. Because of the lack of training in earlier years, the therapist often has little or no preparation for the unexpected and unusual intrusions. The book attempts to deal with these intrusions of life experienced by the therapist as they impact