Book excerpt: This important text not only brings together a synthesis of Robert Langs' most important ideas and the latest developments in his thinking - many of them of utmost importance to all manner of therapists - it also presents them in a form that is accessible to the reader new to the communicative approach, as well as those with more experience. With separate sections on theory and practice that clearly define the basic principles that apply to all forms of psychotherapy and counselling, the book is an excellent starting point as a basic introduction to, and reconsideration of, psychotherapy and counselling for trainees and practitioners.