This unique text provides students and practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy with a much-needed guide to working integratively in time-sensitive and healthcare settings. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience, infant studies and human development, this innovative text offers an original framework for identifying key therapeutic metaphors to focus and guide the therapeutic process. It will be invaluable to any practitioner-psychotherapist, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, health or social care professional- who has opportunities to make a professional, therapeutic relationship with clients suffering emotional problems.