In this two-part series of articles, a model for understanding the process of brief dynamic psychotherapy is presented. The model suggests that patients enter therapy with an unconscious plan for how to get better. The therapist's interventions must be in accord with this plan for the patient to be helped by therapy. The plan concept is described, as are issues involved in inferring a patient's plan. Finally, the ramifications of the plan concept for the conduct of brief dynamic psychotherapy are discussed.