The book addresses both the psychological and social effects of disfigurement. Key aspects of the book include developing 'helping skills', building relationships, identifying problems and working together to meet aims.

Dr Eileen Bradbury is a clinical counsellor in the department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Withington Hospital, Manchester, UK, and a lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Manchester, UK. She is on the Royal College of Surgeons Steering Group on Audit in Cleft Lip and Palate.