How can a prospective patient navigate the complex and often opaque landscape of professional psychotherapy to find effective treatment? Otto Ehrenberg, a clinical psychologist, provides a systematic framework for understanding the various schools of therapy, the credentials of practitioners, and the practical logistics of the therapeutic process. The text serves as a roadmap for individuals seeking mental health support, demystifying the clinical encounter and empowering the consumer to make informed decisions about their care.

Experts and readers frequently cite this work as a foundational resource for demystifying the clinical process for laypeople. The text is noted for its accessible prose and its focus on the consumer's role in the therapeutic alliance.