The Making of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) by Louis Cozolino

The Making of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) Reviews

• 
  goodreads Customer

  I am training to be a therapist in a graduate program. I’m just beginning my journey in learning essential clinical skills and reading this book was a requirement for a class. I wish I had read this book sooner! Even though I’ve been in my own personal therapy for years, I realized when reading this book that I had a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be a therapist. It highlighted many issues I’ve been working through in therapy, but also showed me that my personal journey is growth is not over. It’s just beginning. Louis Corzolino’s vulnerability and honest encouraged me to be honest with myself about my struggles and limitations, as well as seeking to be open about these with my therapist, supervisor, and supportive peers. After 30 years of life, I’m still learning that it’s ok not to be perfect. No one needs a perfect therapist. Just one who is also open to learning from their mistakes and open to feedback from others. And even though I can’t be a perfect therapist, I can be good enough to help clients. And though being a therapist will be challenging than I’m expecting, it can be a fulfilling career to see glimpses of fulfillment and change in clients. Thank you for writing this book, Mr. (Dr.?) Corzolino!
• 
  nyfaerie

  This is written for a naive, sheltered individual (likely young and priveleged). Not insightful for someone who has lived life, has self awareness and exposure to others unlike themselves.
• 
  bearclaw5

  I’ve had the pleasure of having Dr. Cozolino as a teacher and this book is amazing. He talks so much about the things school refuses to teach; how to become a therapist as we recognize our strengths and weaknesses, continuously monitoring our growth as we undergo the journey to both understand ourselves and others better. I read this book quickly as it kept me engaged and later provided many moments of reflection.
• 
  LoveCoates

  I had to read this book for a class taught by Dr. Cozolino whom I liked well enough but with whom I was not enthralled. So I opened the book thinking he had us buy it just for his own self promotion and pocketbook fattening purposes.
  
  I closed the book thinking it was one of the most helpful texts ever assigned in my psych program. I think every budding therapist should read it it really makes you think about your own thoughts, feelings, biases, and process. I would venture to say that it is probably the best exploration of countertransference available, and that every therapist or clinicial needs to think deeply about the countertransference and other personal issues he or she brings to their sessions by giving this book a read.
  
  I do, however, believe the book needs an index and an editor to streamline it a bit for organization purposes.
• 
  J. Nalls

  Excellent book. The author address real issues counselors may experience. He and discuss those issues in away that keeps the reader engaged. A great book for beginning counselors.
• 
  goodreads Customer

  I love the writer's style and information imparted in the book any therapist would get reminders that are helpful not only new therapists
• 
  cjpokinawa

  Anyone studying to be a therapist or who IS a therapist would benefit by reading this thought provoking and intuitive book. I suggest taking sometime to journal after each chapter.
• 
  Angie

  I am finishing graduate school this year and I have found this audiobook so helpful. I definitely recommend this for beginning therapists.
• 
  Jimbo Smiles

  I enjoyed reading this book. Easy to digest and still useful at the start of Level 5/Diploma course, although I would hope that there was nothing unheard of in the book for you by then.
  
  So saying, I have put in no end of coloured index tabs to remind me of things I found worth noting for reference and it was the first time I had heard of the term pathological care taking and the small section on that resonated so strongly for me that all my defences fired up as I realised I had found myself defined, almost to perfection!
  
  It is the only book I have read so far that suggests what you will actually feel and go through when starting out as a trainee counsellor (in a placement). The author gives some examples of his own concerns and small mistakes nothing revolutionary just part of being human. Wish that he had developed this theme about self and awareness being important than only theoretical knowledge. Theory is only a part of what makes someone a good enough counsellor IMO.
• 
  goodreads Customer

  I gave this three stars but whatever you give it might depend on where you are in your training or career. The book is aimed at training or new therapists and it attempts to be relevant to most variations of schools of therapy. It has a strong psychodynamic flavour as the author includes issues of the 'unconscious' and 'transference' in therapy. But don't let this put you off as he is not a thoughtless Freudian! I have 30 years experience in providing therapy in the public sector and I certainly found useful ideas and reminders of issues I need to brush up on. As a therapist learning is a lifelong endeavour. Substantial experience in therapy is an advantage but we can all reflect and learn . So this book is excellent for beginners and is truly worthwhile to read.
• 
  mermaid

  I am now on my second reading of this little gem. It is full of the information that they don't tell you on courses! It is very readable, with humour, honesty and love. The author takes you through your first client, making the best use of supervision, counter transference the signs and what to do with it, getting it wrong, making mistakes and generally not knowing using his own personal experiences to illustrate. Highly recommend.
• 
  Bella Bush

  Really loved this book. I have found very helpful when looking at the journey of therapists in training and beyond, with lots of insightful observations and things to reflect on.
• 
  John

  Must read for trainee psychotherapist. Excellent insight and information