Customer Reviews

Becoming a Therapist: What Do I Say, and Why?

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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Another, less elegant title for this book might be, "Everything new therapists want to know, but are afraid to ask." Drs. Bender and Messner have gotten down to the very basics here, in a way which is friendly, yet firm; concrete, but backed by solid psychodynamic theory. They even write about mistakes they have made in their own practices, something which is not commonly done in this genre. This book would have saved me (and my patients) from a lot of stumbling in those early months, and dare I say, years. It is fun to read, to boot!

This thorough, compelling and entertaining book promises to become a classic in its field. The authors take the reader into the complex and fascinating terrain of the psychotherapist's office, and, better yet, into the therapist's head. The therapist-in-training learns how to talk and listen to patients, deal with problems as they arise, manage his/her own feelings dealing with a patients. This can also be a useful book for patients who want to understand psychotherapy from the other side. Written in clear, authoritative, precise prose, this book is accessible to all, sympathetic to both patients and therpists, and extremely informative. Not only will it be useful to therapists and patients, but would also be of interest to the mass market, especially Oprah! A must-buy for those interested in the therapeutic process.

Becoming a Therapist is the only book I have seen that covers this topic in a clinically relevant and non-intimidating way. It's extremely readable and covers the perfect range of topics from the first phone call to termination. We use this book in an introduction to therapy course for first year psychiatric residents. The book is universally praised by them (and the only book they all buy). I believe that this book is particularly well-suited for the beginning therapist and teachers of beginning therapists. I loved this book and recommend it highly!

This book gives good dialogue type examples for many common situations encountered in therapy. There were many things one may not have even considered - like calling out the name of a client you've not yet met to identify them in the waiting room instead of announcing your presence so they can identify themselves to you. Who would have thought about preserving confidentiality in the way you first identify your new client? It makes sense, but it may not have occurred to you. The book is that way throughout. Lots of good sense, some concrete examples on implementing them, and situations you may not even have thought to ask about and how to handle them.

I'm not a therapist, but I really enjoyed reading this book! The dialogues made it read really fast, and I learned a lot about what happens in the therapy office-- from the other viewpoint. A really smart and valuable guide.

Very good book focusing on detailed examples of what to say and why. The format is: Intro, examples (good and bad) regarding how to handle things as a therapist, and then follow up commentary. Easy and clear to read. (I am a new Psych grad student.)

Well - it's pretty basic - and, at times, seems to give some awkward, overly simplistic direction - though it may be helpful to someone who has never done any counseling at all. It may be that the problem is that the client discussed as an example, "Sallie" , is fictitious (so it doesn't ring true at times). I would recommend Lawrence Shulman's text on "The Skills of Helping" - it's far better at basics for Clinical Social Workers (although it gives direction for SW across a variety of settings, not just private practice).
It does have a good outline of a psychosocial and Substance Abuse Assessment for beginners, though - collects all the most important info.

This book is excellent!! if you want to be a therapist, this is a good choice to get started

I teach undergraduates and now graduate students thinking about or facing their first therapy challenges. This book is an excellent resource when you go into a session armed with your theory and have no idea how to even start the conversation or get it where you need to go. It gives practical advice, very simplistic conversations, that are very comforting in the beginning of doing therapy. As a first-year student four years ago, this book would've helped me tremendously, so Im glad I can now use it with those who come after me in classes.

I got this as a gift and I have to say I LOVED IT! Very helpful and a relief to have some advice.