"Empirically rich, theoretically sophisticated and highly readable, Craciun's book takes readers into the very interstices of psychotherapeutic training, and shows how residents grow from hard-nosed, biomedical skeptics into competent behavioral and psychodynamic therapists. The beauty of Craciun’s argument is that she analyzes skepticism not as an obstacle, but as a necessary step in a process of professional socialization that will conclude with competency and trust. In an age of mistrust, skepticism’s less disciplined cousin, the lessons that Craciun’s book teaches will resonate far beyond the field of psychotherapeutic training."        

Gil Eyal, Columbia University

"Mariana Craciun’s perceptive ethnography takes us inside psychiatric residency to explore the challenging journey of those learning how to treat mental illness. With vivid observations, Craciun brings the relational dimensions of their training to life, tracing the experience of residents as they watch, listen and practice psychotherapy within a community of instructors and colleagues. She not only offers fascinating details of how residents’ skepticism and doubt turn into expanded professional knowledge and identity, but we also see how psychoanalytic instructors work to broaden the legitimate approaches to psychiatry.  As a result, From Skepticism to Competence is both a crucial contribution to our understanding of medical socialization and to the sociology of occupations and work."

Beth A. Bechky, University of California, Davis

"This well-written study is enjoyable to read, providing anecdotal stories, in-depth discussion of different psychotherapeutic interventions, and an insider’s understanding of the difficulties facing contemporary psychiatric residents."

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