The book gives psychotherapy a new language, one that focuses on: a) the client's point of view, as the center of psychotherapy; b) the therapeutic relationship, which, according to research matters more that therapeutic models or techniques; c) nurturing hope and a plan for the future for the clients; and d) introducing novelty and structure in therapy through techniques and models.

The authors present an effective approach to psychotherapy, illustrated through vignettes and case studies.

As Michelle Weiner Davis, author of Divorce Busting, says, “This book pulls the therapeutic rug out from beneath our feet, challenging us to eschew our dogged allegiance to our preferred treatment models and instead explore the real salient ingredient inherent in all effective therapy."