Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

This book is helpful for therapist who are just starting out.it seeks to help one understands the do's and dont's. If you are looking for ideas for therapy this would not be a good book to get because it focuses on the personal development of the therapist. .

This is a fantastic book for the beginning therapist and a reminder to those more experienced. It reviews the pitfalls and joys of working in the field and reminds us of why we're here and for whos benefit. Compassionately dealt with subject matter that reads well. A must read.

Considering this book may not be meant as a supplement to a grad school textbook, this is why I purchased it. I have to say that it holds my interest more than any other "textbook" I've purchased, and I am very pleased with it. The author (Kottler) is down-to-earth, open, and honest about the ups and downs of the counseling profession. Sometimes, I felt he comes across a little negative and opinionated, but for the first time I found myself connecting to the author and everything he said, whether I agreed with it or not.

If you are ready to go out and save the world, this book presents a bit more reasonable set of expectations. Probably the most important is the expectation that laughing at one's self is healthy.

This book is increbible as a resource and learning tool for counselors and those working towards a degree in counseling. A great read!

An interesting book detailing how a therapist affects a client and how clients affect therapists. A must read for those considering going into the therapist profession.

I read this book while suffering from the beginning of burnout as an LCSW doing therapy. This book was wonderful!! Dr. Kottler seems to read my mind, and all the thoughts and frustrations I've had about doing therapy, but felt too embarrassed to share with colleagues or supervisors, he shares so candidly it is a breath of fresh air! It is all here, naive young grads, eventual dissapointment with reality, impatience and boredom with clients, struggling with difficult cases, dealing with your own ego, and written in a very readable and candid style. I plan on keeping this for years and re-reading it often when I need a boost, and a reminder that someone knows exactly how it feels to be a therapist today!!