On being a therapist /

This is a solid new edition (6th) of a book first published more than 30 years ago. The prolific Kottler (emer., California State Univ., Fullerton), whose Myths, Misconceptions, and Invalid Assumptions of Counseling and Psychotherapy was coauthored with Richard Balkin (CH, Feb'21, 58-1817), here addresses all major real-life aspects of being a therapist. Chapters discuss "personal and professional lives," "living with failure," "boredom and burnout," and "creativity and personal growth." The book does not address any particular therapeutic school or therapeutic technique but focuses on the practicalities of being a therapist. There is potentially useful material throughout for anyone wanting to understand more about the professional--and even personal--lives of therapists. Most chapters are well written, but the book does have some weaknesses. Given that being a therapist is a very individual experience, some chapters seem to address too much or leave their focus unclear. This reviewer would also observe that waiting another year or so for this new edition could have been a good idea: the present discussion of teletherapy focuses more on temporary changes associated with the pandemic than the long-term demand for teletherapy that will likely remain well into the future. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. Students in two-year technical programs. --Daniel C Marston, Marston Psychological Services, LLC

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. Kottler has written On Being a Therapist primarily to advise his fellow professionals of the difficulties inherent in the practice of therapy and to provide assurance and techniques for handling personal and professional dilemmas. But the account's sensitivity and accessibility make it appropriate and satisfying reading for anyone who desires a clear understanding of the ins and outs of a therapist's life. Among the topics covered are the risks involved in being a therapist (especially the emotional toll it takes); self-growth as a fringe benefit of therapeutic practice; how to cope with boredom and burnout; and how to lead a fulfilling personal life as well as a rewarding professional one. References; to be indexed. MB. 616.89'14 Psychotherapists Psychology / Psychotherapy Practice Psychological aspect / Psychotherapist and patient [OCLC] 86-10267