In a series of papers, the author addresses the needs of students, patients, and practitioners of psychodynamic therapies. The work of these professionals with children and with adults is discussed from a pragmatic point of view, stressing the importance of recognizing the needs and capacities of each individual patient. At the same time, the author focuses on the professional's role in the clinical interaction, emphasizing the need to identify and respect what leads him to the consulting room, and what he expects to obtain from this strenous and demanding type of work.