Becoming A Therapist

Revised and expanded for the digital age, this trusted guidebook and text helps novice psychotherapists of any orientation bridge the gap between coursework and clinical practice. It offers a window into what works and what doesn't work in interactions with patients, the ins and outs of the therapeutic relationship, and how to manage common clinical dilemmas. Featuring rich case examples, the book speaks directly to the questions, concerns, and insecurities of novice clinicians. Reproducible forms to aid in treatment planning can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. New to This Edition *Reflects two decades of technological changes--covers how to develop email and texting policies, navigate social media, use electronic medical records, and optimize teletherapy. *New chapters on professional development and on managing the impact of therapist life events (pregnancy and parental leave, vacations, medical issues). *Instructive discussion of systemic racism, cultural humility, and implicit bias. *Significantly revised chapter on substance use disorders, with a focus on motivational interviewing techniques. *Reproducible/downloadable Therapist Tools.

A unique practical manual, facilitating the movement and growth of the reader, whilst raising awareness of resistance to change.

Praise for Becoming a Therapist "This resource is filled with practical and personal advice, relevant stories, and examples, and reads more like help from a friend than a typical textbook." Roberta L. Nutt, PhD, ABPP, Visiting Professor and Training Director, Counseling Psychology Program, University of Houston "Ah, now this is the book I wish had been available when I entered the field. Tom Skovholt has defined the initial experiences and followed the process through to the culmination of the therapeutic experience in a truly great book. Becoming a Therapist is a major contribution to our field." Arthur (Andy) M. Horne, Dean and Distinguished Research Professor, College of Education, The University of Georgia; President-Elect, Society of Counseling Psychology "Becoming a Therapist's informal style is accessible and engaging and yet soundly grounded in evidence and in the wisdom Skovholt has developed through his career-long research on psychotherapists and their development." Rodney K. Goodyear, PhD, Professor, School of Education, University of Redlands; Emeritus Professor of Education (Counseling Psychology), University of Southern California Essential guidance for mental health professionals navigating the start of their helping careers Written for those entering a career in the helping professions, Becoming a Therapist: On the Path to Mastery explores the therapeutic career path for new practitioners, painting a vivid portrait of the novice therapist's journey. This practical book guides you in using the helping relationship to improve the lives of others, whether your chosen profession is in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, school counseling, addictions counseling, family therapy, medicine, community counseling, pastoral counseling, or academic advising. Destined to become the resource every new practitioner turns to again and again, Becoming a Therapist prepares you for the reality of what it means to be a beginning therapist, with relevant discussion of: The fifteen indispensable qualities of every mental health professional The unfolding practitioner self Self-care for burnout prevention and resiliency development The importance of culturally competent practice to practitioner expertise Practice, research/theory, and personal life: the practitioner's learning triangle The significance of peer relationships in the novice experience Steeped in author Thomas Skovholt's years of experience, Becoming a Therapist thoroughly and clearly illustrates the excitement, intensity, anxiety and, ultimately, the satisfaction you can expect as a helping professional.

This book provides a roadmap for new psychology majors, and inspiration to help motivate students to make the most of internship, research, and service opportunities during their undergraduate years.

Why do people want to become a psychotherapist? How do they translate this desire into reality? On Becoming a Psychotherapist explores these and related questions. Ten leading therapists write about their profession and their careers, examining how and why they became psychotherapists. The contributors, representing a wide cross-section of their profession, come from both Britain and America, from different theoretical backgrounds, and are at different stages in their careers. They write in a personal and revealing way about their childhoods, families, colleagues, and training. This absorbing and fascinating book offers a fresh perspective on psychotherapy and the people attracted to it. This Classic Edition of the book includes a new introduction written by the authors and will be invaluable for qualified psychotherapists and those in training.

An updated revision of Jeffrey Kottler's classic book reveals the new realities and inner experiences of therapeutic practice today For more than 25 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 new edition, he explores many of the challenges that therapists face related to increased technology, surprising research, the Internet, advances in theory and technique, as well as stress in the international and global economy, managed care bureaucracy, patients with anxiety and depression from unemployment, dysfunctional families, poor education, poverty, parenting issues, often court mandated. Consequently, there's a wealth of new information that explores many forbidden subjects that are rarely admitted, much less talked about openly. Goes deeper than ever before into the inner world of therapist's hopes and fears Written by Jeffrey Kottler the "conscience of the profession" for his willingness to be so honest, authentic, and courageous New chapters explore dealing with failures, reluctant patients, how clients change therapists, and more There is also increased focus on the therapist's role and responsibility to promote issues of social justice, human rights, and systemic changes within the community and world at large.