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On Being a Therapist  By  cover art

On Being a Therapist

By: Jeffrey A. Kottler
Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
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Publisher's 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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Excellent Read for Those in the Helping Profession

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely if they work in the helping profession.

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

The book is full of hernest and difficult discussions about being a therapist.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't say I had a favorite section. Personally I think I benefited from the discussions on what good therapists have done wrong as well the section on identifying projection and burn out. The author completely humanizes the field of therapy while also paying homage to what we do on a daily basis. I loved everything about this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I would say this book made me smile with eyes slightly wider open. It made me feel more comfortable with myself in my profession. I am better able to gauge what I do well and what I can work on professionally, after listening to this book. I will probably listen a second time to it in a few months to see if I pick up anything else important. If you are a therapist, social worker, social service professional then this book can probably help you better understand yourself and the field you work in. I also think this book would be helpful to students considering this field of work.

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21 people found this helpful

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More than just a school book...

Though this was a requirement for a class, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Kottler's straightforwardness provided a clearer vision into the world of counseling and what was to be expected. Never have I ever read a textbook that made me think as hard and at times, laugh out loud as this book. The insight that Kottler provides is immeasurable. Reading this book was like talking with the author himself. Whether in school or a professional in the field, this is a definite must read. I look forward to reading more from this professional. The narration, provided by Rob Shapiro, added so much humanism to the text. I both read and listened to this book and both versions provided a plethora of information and insight...

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12 people found this helpful

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Best Book Ever Read on What a Therapist Does...

I am considering becoming a psychotherapist and found this book to be the deepest and most honest 360 degree look at what it means to be a therapist. I wish other professional fields had books as deep and as wide as this one. Kottler offers an unvarnished but complete picture of how therapists do what they best, how they must guard against a whole host of "bad practices" and the rewards of the profession. He takes an broad view of the subject and has no axe to grind about one style of therapy vs. another. I was on the fence about making the commitment to becoming a therapist and this book helped me make the decision with an emphatic "yes" precisely because it has enabled me to start with eyes wide open. It served to further clarify my motives as well as richly portray what a typical day in the life of a therapist is like. Indeed, an entire career arc. It covers the highs, the lows, in brutally self-honest terms. I can't recommend it enough.

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11 people found this helpful

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  • 03-28-17

Really thought-provoking

As a therapist in training, I really appreciated Kottlar's wisdom, clarity, and honesty. I am both more inspired and more intimidated by this profession after reading this, which is probably just about right.

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7 people found this helpful

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This is the BEST book for psychotherapists!

This book tells you everything you need to know if you are a psychotherapist or if you plan on becoming one. Kottler keeps it real and honest and what he says is very relatable. I am truly grateful to have found this wonderful book, it makes you feel that you are not the only one who sees our job as a beautiful but VERY difficult task, it validates your feelings, and makes you feel normal. Thank you so much!

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6 people found this helpful

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Keep Looking

Therapists learn from their patients. Surprise.
If you are looking for a behind-the-curtain look into therapy, keep looking. The narration goes on an on about what you will do as a therapist. Schools of thought are mentioned but not discussed. I wanted to hear true life stories of success and failure in the field.
I should be higher minded, but I also wanted to hear crazy stuff people reveal in therapy.
But it wasn't there.
It is mostly a guy going on and on about what a therapist is, not an in-depth look at what therapists do. I made it half way through.

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6 people found this helpful

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Best narrator ever

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I liked the book and would recommend it for the information it provides about the downside of a therapist's life. It is difficult to imagine many of the obstacles that might lie ahead if we haven't worked in this area. However, I would like to note that some of the problems cited by the author are common to almost all jobs or careers.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It seems to me that Mr. Kottler's main goal is to sell the services in his new line of work.

What about Rob Shapiro’s performance did you like?

Rob Shapiro is my favorite narrator ever! His voice, rhythm, and diction are perfect. It's hard to get used to other readers after listening to him. I wish he had read more of the books that I ordered.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

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4 people found this helpful

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Oh my god, quit already!

I have great respect for therapists and I do understand how difficult their job is. That's why I was drawn to this book. It started OK but then slowly turned into an insufferable sob story. I hope he made enough money to quit his job because he is certainly done with being a therapist.

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3 people found this helpful

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WOW WHAT A GREAT BOOK THANK-YOU!!!!!

Would you listen to On Being a Therapist again? Why?

Yes! The book speaks to a therapist and he is a great educator!

What other book might you compare On Being a Therapist to and why?

None

Which scene was your favorite?

The entire book was great

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Again Thanks!

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3 people found this helpful

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To be or not to be a therapist...

A must read for anyone who is or wants to be a therapist. It challenges, entertains and enlightens you.

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2 people found this helpful