Originally published in 1980, this concise volume provides a clear guide to the practical and technical aspects of intensive psychotherapy - long term therapy with individual adults toward the goals of promoting insight and realigning unconscious defences which inhibit functioning and growth. The author introduces therapists at the start of their career to the basic principles of intensive treatment and discusses the stages of psychotherapy, clarifying relevant issues and pointing out potential obstacles along the way.

The book assumes a psychodynamic approach to therapy rather than a purely symptom-oriented one. In Principles and Goals, William Reid focusses on the concept of repair, the freeing of emotional energy so that it becomes available for the client/patient’s effective adaptation to their social and emotional environments. The author delineates the professional and human characteristics required of the therapist, noting special challenges for those in training. The book describes the physical conditions of the therapeutic setting and general guidelines for behaviour of patient/client and therapist. It then presents an overview of the three stages of therapy. Throughout the book, short scripts from case studies illustrate the process of treatment and the use of the therapeutic techniques explained.

This classic book remains valuable for both newly qualified and experienced therapists and students.