“This book distills deep clinical wisdom, gained over a lifetime, into a collection of absolute gems. Several dozen (wonderfully short) chapters each capture a vital aspect of transformative therapy. Others provide profoundly helpful morsels of wise, pragmatic guidance for the journey of becoming a good therapist. This book is a gift to beginning therapists.”

—Patricia L. Papernow, EdD, author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships


“This wise and informative book will teach you what it is like to become a therapist, and how to be a good one. It is chock-full of excellent advice.”

—Michael P. Nichols, PhD, author of The Lost Art of Listening


“Every therapist (or would-be) needs this highly personal, insightful, painfully honest book. Taibbi writes in a conversational tone, spilling his own story in engaging detail and inviting the reader to look deeply into their own motives and expectations about the profession. Fifty-nine short chapters make the book useful as a reference work: Don’t like your supervisor? Chapter 33. Sexual feelings for a client? Chapter 31. Thinking about going private? Chapter 50. There is a ton of really good, real-world clinical guidance in this book, but Taibbi also has a deeper focus. He helps readers look inward and be open to their own emotional experience, rather than find ways to 'fix' people. Taibbi emphasizes the intimate, personal nature of the work and the therapist’s full engagement—and that is what makes the book so valuable.”

—David Waters, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine, University of Virginia


“This comprehensive, wide-ranging, practical guide provides a window into the actual experience of becoming a therapist. Based on decades of clinical experience, it outlines the joys and challenges of the adventure, providing clear guidance, engaging exercises, and sensible dos and don’ts for every step of the way. Simultaneously wise and playful, and full of honest, real-life examples, this is a 'must read' for beginning therapists and their mentors alike.”

—Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance