A Short Introduction to Psychoanalysis offers a user-friendly introduction to arguably the most misunderstood of all the psychological therapies. This fully updated and revised Second Edition explains what psychoanalysis really is and provides the reader with an overview of its basic concepts, historical development, critiques and research base. Demonstrating the far reaching influence of psychoanalysis, the authors - all practicing psychoanalysts - describe how its concepts have been applied beyond the consulting room and examine its place within the spectrum of other psychological theories. The text is enlivened by numerous clinical examples.
A great introduction to psychoanalysis, suitable for anyone with an interest in psychoanalysis from patients, clients and relatives of service users to those considering a career in the profession. I found the sections on basic concepts of psychoanalytic theory and its research basis particularly interesting, while I largely skimmed a lot of the stuff on historical development and the structure of the profession. However, the book is well-structured so that you can easily choose whatever is most interesting or relevant to you.