ABSTRACT
This chapter explains briefly on a number of areas which pertain to becoming a therapist. These include social and personal factors, issues of training and the degree to which some therapists may become preoccupied with technique. The chapter addresses the question of therapeutic style. Therapists who 'personalize' tend to model a style they are trying to educate patients away from, and this can also lead to defensive caring. However, there is an implicit assumption that therapists should be psychologically strong, and strenuous efforts may be made to hide personal experiences of suffering in the culture. In psychotherapy there are particular kinds of therapist thinking and evaluating which may interfere with therapy. During training a person may encounter a particularly charismatic teacher who is able to inspire his or her students with ideas and concepts. Then it is worth remembering that the use of techniques is best viewed within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
