On Being a Therapist (Jossey Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) [Paperback]

Jeffrey A. Kottler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0787968943 | ISBN-13: 978-0787968946 | Edition: 3

Since it was first published in 1986, On Being a Therapist has become a classic book in the field and has proved to be one of the most inspiring sources of guidance for aspiring and seasoned practitioners alike. Jeffrey Kottler provides a candid account of the profound ways in which therapists influence clients and, in turn, are impacted personally and professionally by these encounters. He shows how therapists can learn, develop, and grow during the process of therapy and explains how practitioners can use the professional skills and insights gained from their sessions to address their own personal issues, realize positive change in themselves, and so become better helpers for others. This thoroughly revised edition includes discussion about how the business and practice of therapy has changed in recent years, the effects of technology and managed care, the breakdown of theoretical orientation, and the greater client diversity represented in contemporary practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is one of those rare and exciting books that reaches deep into the heart of a profession and discloses not only its day-to-day workings but also the very personal satisfaction, problems, doubts, and joys its practitioners experience."
— Booklist

From the Back Cover

The Challenges, Risks, and Rewards of Being a Therapist

Since it was first published in 1986, On Being a Therapist has become a classic book in the field and has proved to be one of the most inspiring sources of guidance for aspiring and seasoned practitioners alike. Jeffrey Kottler provides a candid account of the profound ways in which therapists influence clients and, in turn, are impacted personally and professionally by these encounters. He shows how therapists can learn, develop, and grow during the process of therapy and explains how practitioners can use the professional skills and insights gained from their sessions to address their own personal issues, realize positive change in themselves, and so become better helpers for others. This thoroughly revised edition includes discussion about how the business and practice of therapy has changed in recent years, the effects of technology and managed care, the breakdown of theoretical orientation, and the greater client diversity represented in contemporary practice.

"This is one of those rare and exciting books that reaches deep into the heart of a profession and discloses not only its day-to-day workings but also the very personal satisfactions, problems, doubts, and joys its practitioners experience."
–Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 3 edition (September 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787968943
• ISBN-13: 978-0787968946
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #342,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeffrey A. Kottler has authored over 65 books in the field for counselors, therapists, teachers, and the public, including COMPASSIONATE THERAPY: WORKING WITH DIFFICULT CLIENTS; ON BEING A THERAPIST; COUNSELORS FINDING THEIR WAY; MAKING CHANGES LAST; COUNSELING SKILLS FOR TEACHERS; DIVINE MADNESS: TEN STORIES OF CREATIVE STRUGGLE; BAD THERAPY: MASTER THERAPISTS SHARE THEIR WORST FAILURES; THE CLIENT WHO CHANGED ME: STORIES OF THERAPIST PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION; and THE MUMMY AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE: EMINENT THERAPISTS REVEAL THEIR MOST UNUSUAL CASES AND WHAT THEY TEACH US ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR.

Jeffrey has worked as a teacher, counselor, and therapist in a preschool, middle school, mental health center, crisis center, university, community college, and private practice. He has served as a Fulbright Scholar and Senior Lecturer in Peru and Iceland, teaching counseling theory and practice. He has also served as a visiting professor in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and Nepal. He is currently Professor and Chair of the Counseling Department at California State University, Fullerton.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real, Honest, Reflective and Life Changing, March 3, 2008

By 

R. Maung - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Being a Therapist (Jossey Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) (Paperback)

Absolutely the best book to read for a therapist, whether beginner or well experienced in the field. It's so honest, with a hint of humor, and laid out so organized. The progression from introducing the concepts to applying in day to day therapist work is very well thought out and written. It doesn't pathologize any real personal feelings that a therapist can have during and about their work, but instead it accepts it as it is, and then tries to help one understand where it's coming from. When I read this book, it helped me feel so validated about my own frustrations with my work, and also helps me reflect my own part in it, and what I can do next. I've taken a more self-awareness and directive approach in pursuing my career as a therapist after reading this. It is not pretentious at all, yet so very precise and well-supported by discussions of what it means to be a therapist. I think every therapist should read this to be an ethical therapist in the field, and also for own personal self-care in our profession. I'm in love with this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Candid, Wisely Insightful and Encouraging, February 1, 2007

By 

Emanuel Perdis "A Voracious reader" (NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Being a Therapist (Jossey Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) (Paperback)

Its the first time I read one of Kottler's books. Incredibly easy to read, very organised, extremely practical and inspiring in its honesty of the good, the bad and the ugly of the therapist's calling. I keep it in a draw to read my favourite parts before a session. A must for the novice therapist. The other "bible" I keep re-reading is Mary Pipher's "Letters to a Young Therapist". Brilliant!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Tactful Truth, April 1, 2010

By 

Alan E. Biddle - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Being a Therapist (Jossey Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) (Paperback)

I purchased this book because I am making a career change to counseling at age 50 and I wanted some insight on the profession. I have been told by friends in the profession and my own sister about how difficult and low paying it is, but also how rewarding it can be at a personal level. Kottler lays it all out there in this book, and he does it in a way that is informational, relational, and comical. His writing style is so clever. He takes you on an emotional roller coaster as he shares his experience of working with drastically different personalities/clients, tells you the professional and proper methods then follows up with his own practical and realistic methods. A fun and informative book that provides truthful insight into the profession of counseling.