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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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Loved this!

This book was assigned reading for one of my MA in Counseling classes. I enjoyed both reading ang listening to this. So much wisdom and practical advice! I appreciated the stories, humor, and humility.

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So validating!!

I’ve been a therapist for over three years now and this is so real. The validation is exactly what I needed to hear. It’s crazy how similar all of our experiences are and that we are often too ashamed to openly discuss it.

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Amazing!!

One of the best books I’ve ever read! This book was validating and helped the “abnormal” or weird thoughts/emotions I have as a therapist and turned them into normalcy. Highly recommend

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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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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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essential read for theraphist at all stages

Great narrator. The book bravely addresses sensitive and thus highy important issues for mental health practicioners.

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I hung on every word; rewound heaps & looking 4 m

I love Jeffrey Kottler's writing, his honesty and humanity. As a kiwi I laughed at the pronunciation of whanau, and marae. Whanau as I understand it means family - wider in the context of cousins first second third or fourth.
can't wait to listen to his next.
I also cherish th book lists in A brief primer of helping skills.

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Revealing, but toxic

Deep, interesting and blunt, if not a bit hyperbolic. There's also a decidedly negative tone throughout the book. Understandable, considering the line of work Kottler is in.

Recommended, especially if you are interested in becoming a psychotherapist.

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AMAZING BOOK such truth!

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

Yes I would listen to this over and over!

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

How Kottler provides exactly what it is like to be a therapist and how clients, families and friends don't understand.

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

I haven't gotten there yet.

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

Yes if I had the time, I too am a therapist and it's a treat to have books I can listen whenever I have even 15 min to myself.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this anyone starting out into becoming a therapist and those have been doing for years or even others that are not in the field and wonder what it's like. So good!

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A MUST Read for Therapists

As a future therapist this book is gold! It’s brutally honest, funny, inspirational and encouraging. I’m about to graduate in less than a month and this book was everything that I haven’t heard that I needed to hear. Sharing with all my colleagues and friends who are in the field!


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