Rainer Matthias Holm-Hadulla is a professor of psychotherapeutic medicine at the University of Heidelberg and a training analyst in the International Psychoanalytical Association. He also teaches at various psychotherapeutic training institutions.

'An affecting book, intelligent and well-written.'--Ingeborg Salomon, Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung newspaper'The author convincingly combines psychoanalytic narrative with profound experience and theoretical reflection. His balanced and yet extremely precise integrative model is eminently successful in overcoming the hoary old antagonisms between, say, behavioural therapy and psychoanalysis.'--Jochen Horisch, PhD, Professor of Literature and Media Studies, Mannheim University'This book is highly recommended for experts and non-experts alike. "Imparting our thoughts is natural. Understanding what we are told, as it is told, requires education" (Goethe). Seen thus, these twelve stories are an education in themselves.'--Brigitte Boothe, Neue Zurcher Zeitung newspaper'The Recovered Voice explores the creativity of the psychotherapeutic encounter. It combines cognitive behavioural techniques with psychoanalytic and existential understanding. These aspects of modern psychotherapy are integrated into a convincing practical strategy. The narratives provide a directly accessible approach for everyone interested in psychotherapy. I hope that this book finds many readers. It serves as an excellent basis, not only for experts but also for the general public.'--Manfred Cierpka, MD, professor at Heidelberg University, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, president of the German Scientific Advisory Board on Psychotherapy

• Introduction: existential creativity -- Twelve Exemplary Cases -- Stress reaction with anxiety and depression: a singer loses her voice -- Adjustment disorder: a medical student suffers from crippling jealousy -- Social anxiety: a business management student fails whenever things come to a head -- Anxiety and avoidance: a pianist is afraid to demonstrate her prowess -- Slight to moderate depression: a young woman doctor cannot explain why she feels so low -- Psychosomatic symptoms: a housewife in pain for decades -- Narcissistic personality traits: a law graduate sees no one but himself and despairs -- Histrionic personality traits: a student in search of constant thrills -- Impulse control disorder with Don Juan syndrome: an architect intends to shoot himself -- Severe depression plus burnout: a company employee is completely burnt out and sees no hope for himself -- Psychotic episodes: a musician seeks ecstasy and ends in chaos -- Borderline personality traits: long-term psychotherapy helps to understand feelings and relationships -- Conclusion: an integrative ABCDE model of psychotherapy