This text investigates the clinical transition from initial assessment to ongoing therapeutic consultation within the framework of independent psychoanalytic practice for children and adolescents. Authors Ann Horne and Monica Lanyado, both experienced clinicians, synthesize theoretical foundations with practical application to address the complexities of working with younger populations. The book argues that the assessment phase serves as a critical diagnostic and relational bridge, establishing the necessary conditions for effective long-term psychoanalytic intervention.

Clinicians and students of psychoanalysis frequently cite this work as a foundational resource for understanding the nuances of child-focused therapeutic engagement. Experts highlight the text for its clear articulation of the independent school of thought and its practical utility in navigating the complexities of clinical work with younger patients.