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

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 is a practical guide for the inner journey of becoming a therapist. This book humanizes the experience and helps ease nerves about working in the counseling profession, addressing the fears, challenges, and improved self-awareness that come with the profession.

$29.00

About the Book

What is it really like to be a therapist? This book explores the inner journey of becoming a therapist, addressing the fears, challenges, and improved self-awareness that come with the profession.

Ideally suited for trainees and new therapists, The Making of a Therapist takes readers on a personal journey into the mind and heart of a master therapist. Louis Cozolino addresses the most common concerns and "imposter syndrome" experienced by beginners, offering encouragement and practical wisdom.

Key Features:

  • Advice on "imposter syndrome" and beginner's anxiety
  • Practical guidance on the nuts and bolts of therapy
  • Exploration of the therapist's own inner life and growth
  • Written in an accessible, warm, and encouraging tone
  • Addresses the essential factors that separate good therapists from bad ones

Customer reviews

Read what others are saying about The Making of a Therapist.

Margot MacGill Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

When I was admitted to a graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, I was both overjoyed and terrified -- what if I don't do it right?

My therapist immediately recommended this book, which humanizes the experience and helps ease nerves about working in the counseling profession. I'm pleased to report that she was -- as per usual -- very aligned with my needs, which feels like meta-commentary on this text!

I'll be picking up other books by this author for sure.

3 people found this helpful

an Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024

Format: Kindle Verified Purchase

This is the most helpful book I've ever read about the practical aspects of providing therapy.

You will learn the most common mistakes that new therapists make. You will also learn the essential factors that separate good therapists from bad ones.

5 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020

Format: Kindle Verified Purchase

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 more 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!

25 people found this helpful

Angela Pineda Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025

Format: Kindle Verified Purchase

I’ve been considering in professionally getting into this field and this book was very insightful. It really weighs in on the expectations, the fulfillment and challenges.

Amazon Customer Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2025

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

good read

DL Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023

Format: Kindle Verified Purchase

An honest overview of the joys and pitfalls of transitioning from student to professional. Out lines common mistakes and how to learn and grow from them. It is written in a kind and encouraging tone which after reading so many textbooks and peer reviewed journal articles was just what i needed.

4 people found this helpful

bearclaw5 Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021

Format: Kindle Verified Purchase

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.

10 people found this helpful

Blake Orr Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2023

Format: Kindle Verified Purchase

This book really put me at ease. I felt so seen in my ignorance at this stage of my future career.

2 people found this helpful

The Making of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) $29.00