Almost unknown until now to the Greek public, Leston Havens is a unique figure in American psychotherapeutic thought. This book, his first to be published in Greek, presents the psychotherapeutic practice as a deeply human relationship based on acceptance and contact, prerequisites for creating a safe place where one can exist.

“Recently, I was reflecting on the way we look at life and people, the way we understand each other and how we affect each other's lives. What I imply is that the two main experiences in human relationships are the feeling of similarity and the feeling of difference. How can we enjoy not only our similarities but also our differences? First, we must overcome the surprise they cause us. In reality, of course, if we take into account the way we are made, they should hardly surprise us at all. Note that even deep within us, there are differences that we experience as conflicts. Then, as good scientists and humanists, we must experiment with stepping into the other’s shoes as if it were part of ourselves with which we disagree. We may even need to practice this for difficult experiences such as marriage. Those who put this into practice will be surprised at how life opens up for each of us in the presence of the other. The same holds true in clinical practice, especially with paranoid and overly ambitious people. The final question is: Is there anything else? Passion, of course. And safety. But these are usually fleeting and often lead to disappointments. The goal is to construct a sustainable life and share it, especially with those we love.” LESTON HAVENS. [Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]