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An author is, in a sense, a travel guide, a cruise director who sifts and chooses all the sights worth pausing at, so that the travelers are content at journey's end that they have seen a comprehensive sampling of the terrain.
Part of the appeal of Akhtar's work lies in the selection he makes from the universe of clinical concepts. Each of the segments fits into a coherent whole to be both gripping in the midst of the journey and deeply appreciated at the conclusion of the trip. The author provides fresh perspectives on classic Freudian concepts and presents more modern structures with a contemporary eye. The ultimate effect is of a satisfying tour.
From the wide possibility of topics to select for his concise and valuable Turning Points in Dynamic Psychotherapy, Akhtar has chosen five situations that are inevitable in the clinical process; he addresses these in turn. They are initial assessment, boundaries, money, disruption, and suicidal crises.
The chapter on initial assessment has much to offer the beginner or experienced therapist. The very practical idea of having three initial sessions on consecutive days seems to be an optimal method for patient and therapist to get “a feel” for each other.
There is a good blend of “expressive” and “supportive” techniques suggested, similar to Fred Pine's (1985) “strike while the iron is cold.” These two writers have a similar ability to present complex ideas in ways that are relatively easy to grasp.
The topic of boundaries is ubiquitous in life. In the specific and singular mother-child relationship where boundaries are forged, as well as in the therapy relationship, the oscillating, fluctuating, and more or less permeable boundary situation requires close monitoring in order to provide for optimal development.
The author does a good job in covering topics of ground rules, the structure of the session, and logistics within it. Simultaneously, Akhtar sets an interpersonal tone in his writing that seems to be parallel to the kind