IT IS CRITICAL that mental health professionals have a detailed, working knowledge of the personality of the individualpatient, whether the patient is presenting with symptoms, problems in relating to others, or difficulties coping with stressors and life events. The clinical community has a growing awareness of personality, its deviations, and the impact on psychotherapy.

The practitioner needs an expert guide through the winding paths and thickets of a new and developing field such as personality disorders. Jeffrey Magnavita isboth a theoretician and clinician with many years of experience with this patient population. He has skillfully constructed and edited this volume, bringing together a number of thoughtful experts who highlight the unique aspects of treatment planning with patients with personality disorders. Each of the authors expands our horizon in thinking about personality and personality dysfunction, combining clinical experience with empirical data. These authors are pioneers, as the development of assessment and treatment of personality disorders is in its infancy compared to comparable efforts in the treatment of symptom conditions.