Practice of Psychoanalytic Therapy

Deals with the basic phenomena of therapy: transference, unconscious fantasy, character, and regression.

Dr. König . . . has written what is in essence a textbook on practical psychoanalysis. He covers a broad spectrum ranging from global theoretical issues to personal styles and techniques to deal with specific problems. He writes in a concise and animated style that is enjoyable and understandable. The author is a man who obviously loves his work, and if psychoanalysis is the impossible profession, he approaches it with vitality and enthusiasm, a refreshing turn from the heaviness, pedantry, and attendant gloom of some of the contemporary literature., Karl König's The Practice of Psychoanalytic Therapy is a wonderful overview of analytic psychotherapy. It combines breadth of experience available only to a veteran teacher, wide reading, and a great deal of common sense. König is an influential German psychoanalyst who brings to bear a knowledge of European literature not ordinarily accessible to American audiences. His integration of analytic technique draws from many schools of thought, while his unique experience, which ranges from psychoanalysis and individual analytic psychotherapy to group and couple therapy, makes this volume particularly useful for those who wish to integrate an analytic orientation across modalities. I recommend The Practice of Psychoanalytic Therapy as an excellent primer for the beginning therapist, a solid sounding board for the veteran, and a thoughtful checklist of issues for the teacher. It is a welcome addition to our literature on understanding and teaching psychoanalytic therapy, and will be useful to students at every level of experience.

Karl König is professor of clinical group psychotherapy on the medical staff of Göttingen University, where he also chairs the department.