and the skills necessary to guide patients through emotional, psychological, and spiritual difficulties as part of the healing process. Dr. Hammer bases his work on the universally accepted and fundamental role the therapeutic relationship plays in the practitioner's ability to heal and his lifelong observation that both the patient and the practitioner benefit from this vital relationship. Drawing from his long and extensive personal and professional experiences and writing in an easily understandable and at times anecdotal style, the author avoids psychological jargon as much as possible. The material is presented independent to pathology and is organized into two parts: The first part outlines the basic tenets of the therapeutic relationship, and the second, main part presents individual, issue-oriented chapters addressing the varied life situations, personalities, and emotional reactions with which the acupuncturist or practitioner is confronted in everyday practice. Let this handy reference become your constant and reliable companion on your path to enhancing your propensity and innate talents to heal, improving your therapeutic skills within the scope of your practice, and gaining confidence in your interactions with your patients.