Taylor & Francis

Taylor & Francis

English

"Herb Schlesinger has given us a most wonderful gift: the distilled experience of one of the giants of our profession, integrating theory and technique into a meticulously crafted and profoundly thoughtful guide to practice. He has written the book that is the closest we have to a definitive manual of psychoanalysis. It is an essential read for anyone who has the ambition to practice psychoanalytic therapy, which includes most of us beginners and the so-called experienced practitioner." - Peter Fonagy, Ph.D., Freud Memorial Professor of Psychoanalysis, University College London "Writing authoritatively about psychoanalytic technique while retaining a rapier wit and sense of joy is no mean feat, and Schlesinger achieves it superbly well. He has a genius for presenting the most sophisticated and compllex concepts in straightforward language. His descriptions of the system of neurosis maintenence and the process of doing psychoanalysis are unsurpassed. Reading The Texture of Treatment is like having at one's side a great supervisor who anticipates questions and dilemmas and provides guidance that is encouraging and stimulating. Schlesinger's convivial style only thinly disguises the depth, brilliance, and rigor of his presentation. One can open this book to any chapter and find distilled wisdom, new insights, and practical help with difficult problems." - Arnold M. Cooper, M.D., Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University “The word 'texture' suggests warp and woof, process and outcome, science and art, densities appreciated better by sensory processes than by formal thought. The texture of psychoanalytic experience can seem inexpressible, even ineffabel. But somehow, in clear and unpretentious language, Herbert Schlesinger conveys it. Organized here are inferences from a lifetime of passionate immersion in, and disciplined reflection on, psychotherapy, informed by the author’s incisive intelligence, irreverent wit, and warm heart. Although wisdom is an elusive term, this book is palpably suffused with it.” - Nancy McWilliams, Ph.D., Rutgers University "The Texture of Treatment is relatively jargon-free,and has a hands-on, commonsensical, and practical tone. There is a unified and user-friendly quality that reflects the author's understated but authoritative presence and personal style. Schlesinger's humble protestations to the contrary, however, the book is an elegant, sophisticated, and artful contemporary textbook of psychoanalytic technique. The construction of the book seems rather ingenious and logical. Schlesinger's individuality, integrity, and wit enliven every principle he espouses. The book has already become invaluable in mywork with students and supervisees. I highly recommend it." - Gerald I. Fogel, M.D., JAPA53, 2005 "…a work that will be a marker in the history of psychoanalytic clinical practice. The writing reflects the thinking: crisp, concise, sincere, honest… Schlesinger’s book will serve beginners in psychoanalysis, but also refresh veterans to remind them of basics, to help rethink impasses…Schlesinger’s thinking about psychoanalysis reminds me of the old Volvo station wagons: solid, very reliable, good for the long-term and equipped with all sorts of gadgets to make traveling a long journey safe and fruitful. It gets you where you really wanted to go." – Nathan Szajnberg, M.D., Sichot: The Israeli Journal of Psychotherapy