Lawrence E. Hedges, a founder of the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute, has written four previously published books dealing with various aspects of psychotherapy. Two (Hedges, 1994a, 1994b) are precursors to the volume under review.

Hedges acknowledges the great influence Heinz Kohut had on his thinking. Later theorists, however, have also been important in the development of his ideas, for example, Kernberg, Mahler, Schafer, and others. Hedda Bolgar directly suggested the author write this book and some of his other ones. He generously acknowledges the many colleagues who helped him with his theories.