(Texts in Hebrew, with three texts in English) --- This book contains case studies of the psychological treatment of ultra-orthodox patients. Presenting problems treated include social phobia, religiosity, and obsessive-compulsive, eating and conduct disorders, amongst others. The appendix contains three articles in English which include a description of the unorthodox treatment of an ultra-orthodox adolescent, guidelines in the treatment of haredi patients and a discussion of the sensitive and controversial issue of cross-gender therapy with haredi and religious patients --- The editors are hopeful that this slim volume will pave the way for haredi rabbis, seminary heads and arbiters to greater appreciation of the value and benefits of psychological treatment for people suffering from emotional, psychological and behavioral difficulties and disturbances. (From the preface) --- This slim book describes the unique psychological problems and issues presented by haredi patients and the unique considerations and challenges that face the therapist in treating them. Included are descriptions of unorthodox and creative treatment interventions demonstrating the need to at times 'to think outside the box'. I believe that mental health practitioners that are involved in treating religious and ultra-orthodox clientele and even those not involved, will find this book an interesting, informative and a worthwhile read. (Benni Feldman, Ph.D., Director of Psychological Services, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Lecturer, Medical Psychology Graduate Program, The Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yafo.) --- We believe that this modest book, the third in a series of books that deal with the interface of mental health and Judaism sponsored by Nefesh Israel, an organization of orthodox mental health professionals, will enrich the reader and provide him with much material for thought. We thank the editors for including in the book controversial and challenging topics as cross-gender therapy with religious and ultra-orthodox patients and involvement of rabbis in psychological treatment, and case studies involving original and creative treatment interventions. (Leah Abramowitz, M.S.W., Judith Guedalia, Ph.D., Yoceved Berlowitz, M.D., chair-persons of Nefesh Israel.) --- Seymour Hoffman, Ph.D., is a senior clinical psychologist who worked in a variety of mental health facilities in the United States and Israel for over half a century and has published numerous papers and several books on psychotherapy in Hebrew and English. He presently works as a supervising psychologist in a mental health clinic in Bnei Brak, Israel. --- Frumi Gottlieb, M.S.W., is a certified social work supervisor. In the past, she was director of the Welfare Department in Efal, Israel, and taught social work in Ariel College. Presently she is ths chief social worker in a mental health clinic in Bnei Brak, Israel, and supervises social workers and students.
