On Being a Master Therapist: Practicing What You Preach

by Jeffrey A. Kottler, Jon Carlson

Learn from master therapists and bring your skills to the next level Bringing a breath of fresh air to the therapy profession, this compelling and thoughtful resource urges readers to move from competency to full mastery in the mental health field. Combining the findings of hundreds of previous studies, interviews with a wide range of master therapists, own unique experiences and perspectives, Jeffery A. Kottler and Jon Carlson have devised a guide that takes therapists out of their comfort zones. Professionals in the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, and human services, as well as graduate students studying for these professions, will find a level of honesty and candor in this resource, which tackles a range of essential topics in a frank, personal tone, and closes with a meaningful discussion about the challenges of striving for mastery. Master therapists and authors Kottler and Carlson explore a range of hot-button topics, such On Being a Master Therapist provides a much-needed look at a range of topics that aren't often given such genuine and insightful treatment, with the goal of helping you attain the attributes that truly distinguish excellence in clinical practice. Start on your journey toward mastery with this thoughtful resource.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 2013

About the author

Jeffrey A. Kottler is a professor, psychologist, author, consultant, workshop leader, keynote speaker, and social justice advocate who has spent the past 40 years working throughout the world to promote personal and professional development among professionals and marginalized groups. Jeffrey has worked as a teacher, counselor, therapist, and consultant in a variety of settings including a preschool, primary and secondary school, university, mental health center, crisis center, and corporate settings.

Reviews

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very eye-opening in a lot of ways. It really went into detail on many things that I did not consider about this profession. However, some of it's meaning became lost in a sea of text (which is why I could not give this book 5 stars). Overall, I did enjoy this book, however, I would not read it again.

[Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many helpful and thoughtful insights in this book that have been useful in reflecting on my own practice as a therapist, particularly the heavily emphasised point that for true change and satisfaction, you must practice what you preach.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by my advisor at school and I think I have really benefitted from reading it before starting to practice. It gives my some ideas to keep in mind and a goal to aim for. The authors provided some great ideas on ways to focus on being the best you can be at helping others and making a difference, which is the point of becoming a therapist. The ideas include a wide array of practitioners from across the spectrum of psychological theories, with the recurrent theme of caring for others in a genuine way. I will come back to this book in the future for refreshers and I will also seek out other books by the authors.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a provisional psychologist I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for others in the field. Main message that I took away: be genuine in your care for your clients. I think that the message was quite drawn out in parts and it all tended to circle back to a few main tenets. I also could have done without so many personal stories from the authors. Overall, a useful resource for anyone in a helping profession, but I wouldn't say it's required reading.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have read any of Kottler's previous book, I feel you may not get much out of this text. I appreciate Kottler's work, however, there are times when his ideas seems to be repeated at nauseum. In other words, if you have not read any of Kottler's (or to that matter Carlson's work) then this is a good text for you!

[Danieke Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than it's predecessor, On Being A Therapist, by Jeffrey A. Kottler. Jon and Jeff are an excellent duo as they cowrote this book together despite Jon's multiple year battle with cancer. I appreciated the insight they had to offer on the importance of the therapeutic relationship over any particular interventions or theories.

[Zeev Crombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book

This is a really great book that every therapist should read to better understand what really works in therapy. It is about the importance of relations rather than theory.

[Alethea Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read and realistic. Real life

The book s a easy read. It's real life with no sugar coating. It's the real thing
I loved it.

[Bob Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Rebekah Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative, humble, thoughtful, open and honest. There is so much in this for a therapist who wants to be excellent, not to be famous, but to be exceptional.

[Candy Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful and helpful as a reminder of humility and reflection in the world of counseling. I recommend to all counselors.

[Mayur Rajesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest insight into the world of a therapist.