What is the essence of psychotherapy? What does it mean to be a helper and healer, to hear another person's most intimate secrets, quirks, faults, and fears without judgment? Who chooses this profession, who thrives in it, and what skills can he learned to ensure success? Often called "the conscience of the profession," Jeffrey Kottler has spent his career exploring these and other questions; studying the unspoken taboos inherent in this unique work, and reporting on the experiences in order to minimize the mistakes he candidly shares. For more than thirty years. On Being a Therapist has inspired generations of mental health professionals. In this thoroughly revised and updated Fifth Edition, Jeffrey explores many of the challenges that therapists face in their practices, as well as the stress factors that are brought on from managed care bureaucracy, conflicts at work, and therapists' own personal struggles. This new edition includes updated sources, new material on technology, contemporary problems, and two additional chapters: one on the power of storytelling and another about the ways clients might better optimize their sessions. A brand new discussion guide is included to facilitate classroom discussions, book club, and thoughtful introspection among friends and colleagues. Countless students and practitioners in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, human services, and health professions have found comfort and support in On Being a Therapist, and this Fifth Edition builds upon this foundation as it continues to enlighten and stimulate helping professionals everywhere. Book jacket.