Introduction to the Practice of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

An essential guide to psychoanalytic psychotherapy in modern practice. A must-have for those new to the field and seasoned professionals alike

Introduction to the Practice of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy provides up-to-date, practice-oriented coverage of the latest research and techniques in psychoanalysis. Distinguished clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst Alessandra Lemma synthesizes decades of clinical experience and the latest research into actionable advice for developing analytic skills with clarity, confidence, and adaptability across diverse therapeutic settings.

This popular textbook offers step-by-step guidance on essential areas of practice, including conducting assessments, formulating cases, and navigating therapeutic endings. Throughout the book, detailed yet accessible chapters demystify the processes behind psychoanalytic psychotherapy while offering real-world insights into the day-to-day practice of psychoanalytic therapy.

Fully revised to reflect contemporary practice, this edition features three entirely new chapters on psychoanalytic ethics, working with the body, and online therapy. Updated and expanded chapters address new developments in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), discuss the current evidence base for psychoanalytic interventions, present new case studies and illustrative examples, and more.

“Very few psychoanalysts are capable of what Alessandra Lemma achieves with this book: a deep understanding of the life of the mind coupled with a comfortable familiarity with the science of the mind.”
—MARK SOLMS, Ph.D., Editor, The Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (2024).

“A third edition of this classic text is testimony to how well the original edition was written. Yet it also demonstrates that psychoanalytic therapy and the contexts in which it is practiced are in continual flux. To explain these changes and offer new updates there is no better guide than Alessandra Lemma. She has been at the forefront of many developments and has endeavoured to make psychoanalytic ideas and techniques relevant for the decade that lies ahead. This is a highly readable, enjoyable, and insightful book that deserves to be read again and again. There is always something fresh to discover.”
— DR. ALISTAIR ROSS, Associate Professor in Psychotherapy, Kellogg College, Author of Introducing Contemporary Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy

“There are many things to cherish about Alessandra Lemma’s Introduction to the Practice of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Now appearing in its third edition, Lemma exemplifies a mentality that psychoanalysis is alive and kicking—and evolving. The book is especially candid in acknowledging how psychoanalysis, which began ahead of the social curve, but then began to lag behind, is now making up for lost time. It is a pleasure to encounter readings of Freud that are neither adulating nor deprecating, and it is even more of a pleasure to consider this version of contemporary psychoanalysis. Lemma’s work on integrating the body in psychoanalytic theory is well-known and is now incorporated into this book. In addition, Lemma addresses profound ethical issues that we have faced during the pandemic and in its aftermath. Clinicians at every stage of their careers will benefit from reading and reflecting on this terrific book.”
— ELLIOT L. JURIST, Ph.D., Ph.D., Professor, Psychology and Philosophy, The City College of New York and Doctoral Faculty in Psychology and in Philosophy, The Graduate Center, The City University of NY