On Being a Therapist

I loved this book. I had to read it for a class and wasn't really excited about it but I ended up loving it. It is written very conversationally and while I got annoyed at some points that were pushed a little too much - like that we're all in this profession for our own selfish reasons to work through our own problems - I found this book very honest and validating. I enjoyed the discussion questions that Kottler posed and found them both thought-provoking and helpful. For example, he talked about dreading certain clients and laid out several great questions to ask yourself when you're struggling with a client. He really validated my feelings of always being in counselor mode and feeling exhausted by it but not knowing how to be anything else with family and friends. This is the only counseling-related book I've read that talked about other counselors' experiences with just God-awful sessions that no one else ever talks about. Just read it; you'll feel better about being the imperfect counselor/person that you are.

Amazing book, I loved her insight and client stories.

Good buy

I enjoyed the book quite a bit in the beginning. It was just as the title might indicate, the inner world of being a therapist. But, just as the author mentioned a few times in his writing, sometimes the therapist talks too much. I got bored a ways in. I would still recommend this book, and encourage all to read through to the end. There are gems in the last 100 pages, however more sparsely scattered.

Really engaging author, very easy read, and very informative. I enjoyed the authors candor and sincerity.

Cannot recommend this book enough. It should be required reading for therapists. Enormously informative and validating every time I have read it at multiple stages in my career. Recently updated in this edition with new information. Must read!!

Every counselor should read it - use it in my graduate counseling class

A good booking for therapist. I feel related.

Great book. If you want to become a therapist this is definitely something you should read. But in general this book can teach you a lot about life so take it as your own little free therapy

Tardo un poco en llegar, pero valió la pena. Esta es una lectura básica para cualquier persona que ofrece cualquier tipo de terapia. El autor relata su experiencia a lo largo de 30 años de dar terapia individual. Es un libro que no tiene desperdicio para cualquier persona interesada en el proceso del acompañamiento psicoterapéutico

I recommend this for any new therapist. It helps make your fears and doubts about being a therapist seem completely normal and are put at ease. Very good read.

Easy and fluid read. Ideal for new therapist especially

I am a counsellor in training and am finding this book really useful in thinking about my journey to qualifying, it is evident why this book is so loved in the profession.