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

by Jeffrey A. Kottler (Author) "Sitting in a prominent place in my office is a small vial containing an inky mixture of earthen ingredients..." (more)
Key Phrases: practicing therapy, practicing therapists, Don Jose, Hardships of Therapeutic Practice, Ram Dass (more...)

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 satisfactions, problems, doubts, and joys its practitioners experience."

"Written in an engaging style and filled with examples from the writings of well-known therapists, it should be required reading for those considering entering the profession."

Product Description
A candid account of the profound ways in which therapists are influenced by their clients. The book explains how practitioners can use the insights gained from their clients' experiences to solve their own problems, realize positive change in themselves, and become better therapists.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; Revised edition (September 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555425550
• ISBN-13: 978-1555425555
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #745,824 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Considerations, November 3, 2000

By	Ian M. Enriquez "Counselor and lover of life" (San Francisco, California United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has a lot of valuable information, but this book is not for everyone. The book serves to remind therapists that we are human, but focuses on all the possible negative aspects of a therapists life and practice. I feel this book turns people away from seeking therapy or going into the profession. The book is written with an over-whelming negativity and a hint of arrogance. If you are looking for something to normalize your negative experiences as a therapist, then this is possibly the best book out there for you. If you are romantically involved with a therapist that you are concerned about, then this may be a good thing to read to better understand what may be going on. If you are new to the field, then read the book on and off as needed (if you must). If you are not a therapist or involved with one, then this book has nothing for you. Therapy, like every field, is a mixed bag. This book fails to acknowledge the goodness in the lives of those being a therapist.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK, May 7, 2004

By A Customer

I am stunned at the last reviewer's negative review! I am working on my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and this book was an assigned reading. This is wonderully written with honesty, humility, and humor. There ARE many wonderful aspects of being a psychotherapist and Kottler DOES illucidate these pieces, but he also points out inevitable pitfalls that will happen to some of us: burnout, financial strains, boredom, and other occupational hazards. If you can't get this book here, go to your local library and get borrow it. This treasure can be enjoyed by the novice, student, and professional alike. Happy reading!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on being a therapist I've ever read., January 16, 2005

By	parnassus2 - See all my reviews

Kottler promotes a therapist's professionalism but not perfectionism, promotes a healthy sense of irony and forgiveness toward ourselves as therapists and thus a healthy relationship to our own humanity and weaknesses. Kottler is candid, honest, real, relevant. Charges of arrogance are simply silly.