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The training of a psychotherapist can in many respects be compared with the old master-apprentice-relationship well-known in craftsmen's trades: it was only through the teaching and supervising of an experienced master that a young trainee gradually acquired sufficient knowledge and skills needed in independent work. Therefore, it is understandable that we consider it useful and necessary to become acquainted and re-acquainted with the subjective experiences and ideas of working of both Freud and psychoanalysts of later generations.
The Swedish psychoanalyst Björn Wrangsjö has been active in many areas of psychotherapy: he is a child psychiatrist, a family therapist and has also been active in body-oriented psychotherapy. In his latest book, he communicates his experiences and observations concerning the practicing of psychotherapy and also focuses on the work conditions of psychotherapists in various public mental health organisations. The latter aspect has rather often been neglected in the psychoanalytic literature, even though many psychoanalysts work either as consultants or as part-time practitioners in mental health organisations. Wrangsjö is very personal and open in his writing, reminding one of Th. Reik, Patrick Casement and, especially, of J. D. Guy, whose book The Personal Life of the Psychotherapist is often referred to by Wrangsjo. However, the present book also includes more theoretical discussions on the professional role of the psychotherapist with respect to his/her choice of profession, period of training, and further development as a therapist.
The author aims to direct his message to anyone interested in psychotherapy, including laymen. This is shown, e.g., in his repeated introductions to basic concepts. He also discusses group and family therapy. However, it is not very easy to understand and internalize the author's ideas, although his style is quite lucid. What makes this book interesting to a psychoanalyst? Fortunately, Wrangsjo has a spec