“The process of reading the book parallels the process of a successful therapy in which one has come to engage with and trust her guide and emerges a more flexible, confident, insightful person and professional. Maroda's continued reassurances and frank openness to sharing her own vulnerabilities leaves the reader feeling infused with a sense of possibility that a fuller, deeper therapeutic relationship is possible.”

—Psychotherapy (on the first edition)


“Maroda illustrates all of the basic principles with honest and explicitly detailed case examples from her own practice....This book is an empirically substantiated, practical guide to the therapeutic landscape.”

—Division/Review (on the first edition)


“Written primarily for new therapists, this book has a broader appeal....Extends our understanding of the psychodynamic approach.”

—Therapy Today (on the first edition)


“This book is a fascinating and valuable resource for new and established therapists. By exploring and applying the guidelines Maroda offers, therapists can create a body of useful psychodynamic techniques for effective therapy.”

—The Psychologist (on the first edition)


“Maroda has something worthwhile to share with us regarding the essential ingredients of therapeutic change....This simply and straightforwardly written book is the work of a courageous, emotionally honest, skilled, and wise clinician.”

—Journal of Phenomenological Psychology (on the first edition)


“With this engaging, readable book, Maroda answers a long-standing need for a primer on psychodynamic technique. In her characteristic melding of professional and personal experience, theoretical sophistication, research findings, and plain-spoken common sense, Maroda serves up a banquet of good advice that will nourish not only students and beginning therapists, but also experienced practitioners. She keeps the focus on the practical and generously illustrates her points with clinical vignettes that exemplify the emotional honesty she so consistently recommends. I look forward to assigning this welcome text to my graduate students in clinical psychology.”

—Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP, Visiting Professor Emerita, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


“Trainees, regardless of their theoretical commitments, will appreciate Maroda’s practical, plain-speaking approach to common clinical challenges, along with her generous illustrations of clinical work drawn from her own practice. The chapter on 'Overcoming Our Fear of Anger and Conflict' is pure gold.”

—Jonathan Shedler, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco