How to Survive as a Psychotherapist

Nina Coltart's classic work, How to Survive as a Psychotherapist, offers valuable advice for aspiring and established psychotherapists. This reissue includes a new Foreword from David E. Scharff and an updated Further Reading section. The book combines practicality, clinical stories, discussions of Buddhism, and an autobiographical finale on the balance between life and work. It reads easily and encourages beginners, but its backbone is the wisdom for a career containing "survival-with-enjoyment" that offers new perspectives to both mid-career and experienced therapists and teachers. Coltart's book celebrates psychotherapy and its practitioners and is full of interesting and practical advice that will be invaluable to both experienced and novice psychotherapists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2020
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

Nina Coltart's timeless masterpiece, How to Survive as a Psychotherapist, was penned over a quarter of a century ago, yet its profound insights continue to resonate deeply with aspiring and seasoned psychotherapists alike. This revised edition features a fresh Foreword by renowned psychoanalyst David E. Scharff and an updated Further Reading section. This compact book goes beyond a mere "how-to" manual, offering a comprehensive blend of practical advice, insightful anecdotes, operational guidance for running a practice, captivating clinical stories, discussions on Buddhism, and an autobiographical conclusion that explores the delicate balance between life and work, including Coltart's decision to live alone. Crafted with deceptive simplicity, it effortlessly flows, making it an ideal resource for beginners while providing invaluable wisdom for seasoned therapists and educators.

The professional autobiographical nature of the book unveils a wealth of information about Coltart, including her preference for psychotherapy over full analysis and her concerns about the constraints imposed by analysis. She vividly describes the initial years, encompassing training and beyond, as a period characterized by anxiety, as she strives to achieve perfection while grappling with an inner critical voice and the scrutiny of supervisors and teachers. However, as time passes, Coltart gradually develops the ability to relax into a career, confident in her own voice, knowledge, and intuition. This newfound confidence translates into a profound enjoyment of a profession that may appear grim to outsiders, focusing solely on suffering.

Coltart's book wholeheartedly celebrates psychotherapy and its practitioners, offering a treasure trove of intriguing and practical advice that caters to both experienced and novice psychotherapists. It is a testament to Coltart's profound understanding of the field and her unwavering commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of mental health. Whether you are just starting your journey in psychotherapy or seeking to enhance your skills and expertise, this book is a must-read that will undoubtedly enrich your practice and contribute to your personal growth.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912691104
Edition number: 2 New edition