Unique in its approach, this text integrates psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic approaches in a unifying theoretical approach.

The main objective of this is to cut through outdated theoretical posturing and to describe what works, with whom, and under what circumstances. Issues of importance such as “does therapy work or is it all biological?” are discussed in depth. The text specifies therapeutic approaches for virtually all of the troubled people identified in the DSM-IV as mentally ill. In addition, people who suffer from significant levels of subjective distress but would not be labeled in the DSM-IV are discussed in this text. Specifically, treatment approaches are offered for people whose lives are empty because of issues of identity, intimacy, or meaning.