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On Being a Therapist cover art

On Being a Therapist

By: Jeffrey A. Kottler
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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Summary

An updated revision of Jeffrey Kottler's classic book On Being a Therapist reveals the new realities and inner experiences of therapeutic practice today.

©2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (P)2012 Tantor

What listeners say about On Being a Therapist

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Analysing that...

What did you like most about On Being a Therapist?

A fascinating insight into the world of the talking therapies. The author makes a good case for therapy while at the same time exposing its foibles, inadequacies and is always shining a bright light on the sheer fogginess of the profession. The author isn't afraid to discuss his doubt and whether he knows what he is doing at all. As he says, imagine how you'd feel if a surgeon expressed the same doubt prior to carrying out you heart bypass.

What was one of the most memorable moments of On Being a Therapist?

I was moved by the author's efforts to start a charity in Nepal to help children who would otherwise be sold into the sex trade. Showing that while therapy has a place in trying to "cure" individual ills, other actions are required to repair societal problems.

Which character – as performed by Rob Shapiro – was your favourite?

A whole host of therapists (good, bad and ugly) make up the considerably tome of anecdotal research.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you can afford it, it may or not be good to talk...

Any additional comments?

A enjoyable listen, but I was slightly disappointed by the North-America centric survey. It could have been weighted by more referencing to British and European therapists and thinkers. Freud of course is mentioned but there is no place for Lacan. Also, given that the author describes the job of a therapists as a "practical philosophy" it's a shame he never referred to some of the heavyweight thinkers whose writing and thinking gave birth to the pyschoanalitic movement in the first place.

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15 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Well Worth it

As a counsellor I really liked this. It really gets behind what it's like to be a counsellor. Very honest. He validates what counsellors might be thinking but not saying. Very comprehensive expose. I learned a lot. I could identify with it. Kottler seems very professional and he shares a lot of interviews he has done with famous theorists and therapists. He deals with the self awareness we need to be effective. He also deals with ethics, impairment and burnout. Excellent

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14 people found this helpful

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A must have!

If you want to be a therapist, this book should be in the obligatory curriculum. Kottler is totally skinned in his description of what a therapist experiences, thinks, and feels. By listening to this book, I learned a lot about myself, and the profession I am about to enter.

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6 people found this helpful

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Interesting account for new therapists

I listen to this book when in therapy training and it was fascinating.

Now, as a qualified, I re-listened and I can take or leave a lot of the points as it's an opinion which groups 'therapists' and I don't share a quite a few of his views.

The listening during and after training was an interesting reflection as to how I've developed as a practitioner! That I would recommend!

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3 people found this helpful

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Great reading for both the journeyman

and the more experienced therapist, as well as for budding therapists. Highly recommended, I've listened to it annually.

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3 people found this helpful

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one great read

best book of this nature I've ever read. bought the paper version now too.
why is there not more like this?

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Insightful, inspiring and even enjoyable.

If you could sum up On Being a Therapist in three words, what would they be?

I found this audio book to be totally insightful and felt inspired by it. It unveils the therapists perspective and creates a real picture of what Being a therapist is like.

What did you like best about this story?

I like his candid style. The book gives an insight into the joys and struggles of being a therapist. As a student, I learn all about the client experience but don't really gain an understanding of the other side. So this book has been a real gift.

What does Rob Shapiro bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I love Rob's mellow tone and the clarity of his voice.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • RW
  • 07-11-18

On Being A Therapist

I really enjoyed this book. Being a psychotherapist myself, so much of the authors perspective resonated with me and it often felt like having an extended conversation with my own supervisor, where I can feel free to discuss my conflicted feelings, struggles and moments of real satisfaction in helping my clients move forward. There’s no escaping the huge expectation placed on therapists to be the ultimate change agents with an never ending capacity to connect with whoever walks through the door, regardless of their life story. We do the best we can & its a huge privilege to be part of the healing process.

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2 people found this helpful

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insightful

as a trainee therapist I found this book helpful for my personal development and greater understanding.

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2 people found this helpful

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absolutely brilliant

heavy but interesting read!!! loved it all very addictive listening. I'm a teacher and found it insightful.

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