On Being a Therapist

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.

My human sexuality professor recommended this book. She stated it helped her when she was beginning to practice. I am an LAPC and when I began to read this book, I could not put it down. It normalizes so many feelings that beginning therapists have. Please get this book, I am re-reading it!!

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.

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.

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!