Becoming a Therapist

Each clearly structured chapter opens with a concise summary, examines a specific stage in the therapeutic process, and offers workable suggestions for practice. Covered are such real-world tasks as setting up appointments and discussing payment, handling latecomers and no-shows, conducting effective assessments while setting patients at ease, and formulating a treatment plan. Recommendations are provided for handling mundane and serious clinical concerns, including suicidality, and for integrating psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. Emphasis is also given to the therapeutic relationship: how to recognize transference and countertransference, navigate issues of consent and compliance, and much more. A wealth of sample therapist-patient dialogues are included to guide the novice therapist who feels at a loss for words, while also illustrating certain situations worth avoiding. The book concludes with a helpful glossary and suggestions for further reading.