For more than twenty-five years, On Being a Therapist has inspired generations of mental health professionals to explore the most private and sacred aspects of their work helping others. In this thoroughly revised and updated fourth edition, Jeffrey Kottler explores many of the challenges that therapists face in their practices today, including pressures from increased technology, economic realities, and advances in theory and technique. He also explores the stress factors that are brought on from managed care bureaucracy, conflicts at work, and clients' own anxiety and depression. This new edition puts the spotlight on the therapist's role and responsibility to promote issues of diversity, social justice, human rights, and systemic changes within the community and the world at large.
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"This book was really honest. The author comes across a bit jaded at times, but I think he has really sincere and empathic intentions at heart. A little bit heavy for a road trip read, but it definitely raised some good questions to ponder."
— Katie (4 out of 5 stars)
" He seems to write the same book over and over with slight variations. However I always enjoy his books even though I have a persistent feeling of deja vu throughout. I recommend him to any mental health providers or consumers. "
— Sjoen, 1/20/2014" For ethics class. I liked his open and honest dialoge about the trials, temptations, joys, rewards and pitfalls of being a therapist. "
— Nathan, 11/16/2013" I can relate to so much of this book. Glad I am not a therapist "
— Brenda, 10/25/2013" This was assigned reading in graduate school and helped me to understand the realities of becoming a therapist from an established professional. "
— Elyssa, 10/16/2013" Absolutely great for anyone working doing therapy, whether beginner or seasoned professional "
— Diana, 10/15/2013" A warm and sincere account of this new profession of mine without sugar coating the pitfalls. Love it!!!! "
— Kaitlin, 10/5/2013" A really good book for therapists, want-to-be therapists or anyone just curious about what it is like to be a therapist. I found it validating and encouraging. "
— Holly, 8/27/2013" Clinical supervision in a book! "
— Bologna, 7/4/2013" I only read a couple of chapters, but very much liked them. It's an extremely normalizing depiction of life as a therapist. "
— Kyle, 5/2/2013" I love Kottler's voice and the way he seems to effortlessly portray the realistic highs and lows of the therapy world. "
— Lena, 3/27/2013" must read for every therapist "
— h, 12/7/2012" Definitely one of the best books about being a therapist - honest, insightful, and not always pretty. "
— Jaime, 10/6/2012" Well written. Sometimes pessimistic, but very real. The author tells you what no one else will about the field and what you will experience. "
— Natalie, 8/15/2012" Excellent resource for the novice therapist. "
— Cory, 3/11/2012" This book started out strong for me, but lost a little bit of its punch by the last 40 or so pages. Therapy from the therapist's point of view, hmmm... "
— Erika, 2/18/2012Jeffrey A. Kottler is a professor in the department of counseling at California State University–Fullerton. He is the author or coauthor of more than eighty books, including the New York Times bestseller The Last Victim, Divine Madness, Creative Breakthroughs in Therapy, and Changing People’s Lives While Transforming Your Own. Kottler is also head of the Madhav Ghimire Foundation, which provides scholarships for at-risk girls in Nepal.
Rob Shapiro is a musician, writer, voice actor, and Earphones Award–winning narrator. He performed several seasons of radio comedy on Minneapolis Public Radio and voiced the titular lion in Leo the Lion. He is a musician and composer with his critically acclaimed band Populuxe. He is also a business consultant and software system designer.