Dr Alistair Ross is a University of Oxford academic whose previous work has been described by Ruby Wax as amp8216very very smartamp8217. This new introductory book strikes an easy balance between theory and practice. It takes the reader from the fieldamp8217s Freudian roots to its contemporary applications skills and insights.Over the last 30 years important new theoretical ideas skills and clinical practices have emerged in counselling and psychotherapy. While key Freudian concepts like transference countertransference and the influence of the past on the present remain vital to psychodynamic work research drawn from infant development neuroscience the role of the sacred and intersubjective approaches to relationships has changed the way therapists understand and work with clients. Either in its own right or as part of an integrative approach psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy have an important role to play in developments to come.The bookamp8217s features includeamp8226 A rediscovery of the importance and relevance of Freud for presentday therapeutic relationships.amp8226 An encounter with the breadth and depth of our understanding about and experience of the unconscious.amp8226 An introduction to research that has evolved after Freud revealing new ways of applying his ideas.amp8226 A contemporary perspective on traditional counselling and psychotherapy skills illustrated by vignettes and personal insights from Alistair Rossamp8217s professional practice.amp8226 An encouragement to develop new skills for relating at depth with our clientsamp8217 past present and future motivated by revealing how lifechanging therapy can be.This book is a mustread for trainee and practising psychodynamic or integrative therapists who want an overview of new thinking and practice or might benefit from greater insight into psychodynamic practice applying Freudamp8217s theoretical world to improving the lives of real people today.amp8216It is good to see Alistair a valued stu