Attachment theory, infant research, and developmental psychology have gained extensive insights into the maturation processes of the self since the 1990s, which can be integrated into the daily practical work of psychotherapists with the help of this book.

In the last 15 years, a quiet revolution has occurred in developmental psychology that has not only completely transformed this specific field but also puts practical psychotherapy to the test. Infant research, attachment theory, and the concept of mentalization have significantly expanded the understanding of the maturation steps of the self and the conditions that hinder them. The new concepts are crucial for practitioners because the depth-psychologically trained therapist sees the potential for the self's further maturation as a central aspect of their work with the patient. To enable patients to benefit from these insights, the author summarizes the new theoretical approaches in a comprehensible and illustrative manner and impressively presents the implications for treatment through numerous case examples.

The book provides depth-psychologically oriented therapists and counselors in the psychosocial field with reliable knowledge in a compact and application-oriented form.