Disenchanted with the temporary cure affected by ‘mesmerism’, Freud turned his focus to the patient once more. The patient was asked to relax on the couch, close his eyes, and (as Freud placed his palm on the patient's forehead) tell his story. The patient began to talk unrestrictedly; and Freud listened. Later he discovered that he needn't even touch the patient. All Freud had to do was to listen.

Psychotherapy has evolved since Freud's time and a multitude of psychotherapy schools abound. The editors of the Oxford Textbook of Psychotherapy have cautiously orchestrated a meeting of a hundred authorities from both sides of the Atlantic. The barriers between behaviourism and dynamism have been pole-vaulted, and a conciliatory approach is employed in explaining the major modalities of therapy. One chapter (Chapter 10) deals exlusively with the concept of integrative therapy and a ‘common factors’ approach.

Psychotherapeutic treatments of schizophrenia by Turkington et al (Chapter 14) is an example offering a splendid ten-page read. Beginning with William Tuke and the founding of the Retreat at York in 1792, the chapter follows the development of psychodynamic, cognitive–behavioural and family interventions for schizophrenia. Theoretical discussion of each model is accompanied by key practice principles, case examples and challenges. The authors evaluate the evidence base for every approach and provide comprehensive references.

Such chapters are independent, which allows the reader to select particular sections of the book. The thematic range of the textbook is exhaustive, from chapters on cross-cultural issues and sexual orientation to topics like psychotherapy supervision.

The merit of the textbook is also in what it is not. It is not a manual, or a collection of prescriptive guidelines. It is not one school of therapy against another but neither does it espouse a ‘one-size fits all’ mantra. Such absolutism would be pernicious to psychotherapeutic thinking. Instead the reader is invited to read about all the psychotherapies available for different conditions, and then form their own opinion. Such an attitude underlies how psychotherapy works on the therapist, as well as on the patient.

The presentation of the book could be improved. The cover is a gaudy orange with an image of a close up photograph of a tree trunk while the text is devoid of any artwork. There is disconnectedness in the text at times; however, this is inevitable given the multiple authorship.

As with psychotherapy itself, some parts of the Oxford Textbook of Psychotherapy resonate with one's personal persuasion. It is essential reading for all who wish to hone their own Freudian art of listening.