These fascinating true-life case studies, engagingly written in the style of stories to protect patient anonymity, can be seen as the culmination of the author's many years of experience in the fields of psychoanalysis and psychiatry. They are a distillation of some of the most challenging cases he has dealt with, including ones resulting from the misery of poor parenting and childhood neglect, from bereavement and relationship difficulties and other issues. All illustrate how a troubled adult may find a way through analysis to achieve happiness - or at least peace of mind.