The distinguished psychoanalyst Richard G.

Abell explores here a new approach to self-

understanding and psychotherapy that ef-

fectsI positive and rapid changes in person-

ality and outlook. In a book that is at once

personal, encouraging, and instructive, he

shows how the reader can use contemporary

psychological techniques to increase self-

awareness, and control, manage, and "own"

his own life.

Dr. Abell s method, a synthesis of Trans-

actional Analysis, Gestalt, nonverbal tech-

niques and traditional psychoanalytic pro-

cedures, came about as a result of his own

dissatisfaction with the slow rate of change

in his patients when analytic methods alone

were used. Seeking a way of bringing about

authentic inner change more quickly and

more lastingly, Dr. Abell participated in a

number of experimental therapeutic work-

shops, which changed him profoundly. Step-

ping out of the traditional therapist s role,

Dr. Abell describes here in a very personal

and frank manner his own experiences-dra-

matic and sometimes surprising-that signifi-

cantly altered his feelings about himself and

others.

Dr. Abell incorporated the techniques he

had learned into his practice. Using exem-

plary case histories, he shows here how this

new synthesis actually works, giving special

attention to the important moments when

therapeutic breakthroughs take place.

By including a careful, up-to-date expla-

nation of Transactional Analysis and Gestalt

methods and by providing exercises that will

enable the reaq[er to increase his or her self-

awareness, Dr. Abell has given us a clear,

easily understood primer on the most impor-

tant modern psychological methods as well

as an inspiring guide to personal growth.