This book presents a comprehensive survey of motivations to practice psychotherapy through the extensive review of the available literature and discussion of the result of a qualitative study of therapists conducted by the author."--BOOK JACKET.

It is a study of the unconscious factors that contribute to the decision to become a psychotherapist. Regardless of primary discipline, a major determinant of this career choice is the wish to resolve one's own emotional problems. When understood and mastered, however, such difficulties allow therapists to be more effective. Those who have experienced and borne emotional pain have an enhanced capacity to empathize with it and to understand it in others.There are hidden dangers for therapists when their motives remain unexplored. One of these hazards is that practitioners are at greater risk for burnout. By recognizing and mastering the pathological sources of their wish to heal, psychotherapists can ultimately heal their own wounds and achieve a more loving and creative helping capacity.

What are the consequences of prolonged exposure to the mental andemotional sufferings of others? In what ways can the practice ofpsychotherapy impede a person's ability to form healthy, fulfillingpersonal relationships? Is it true that psychotherapists areunusually prone to mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, sexualacting out, workaholism, and suicide? Is there something aboutpeople who are drawn to a life in psychotherapy that puts them athigher risk of developing certain behavioral disorders? Now in a candid and revealing look into the private andprofessional lives of psychotherapists, a group of notedpractitioners attempt to answer these and other hard questionsabout the women and men who pursue this most perilous ofcallings. Throughout the pages of this fascinating book, nearly thirtypsychotherapists--including psychologists, psychiatrists,psychoanalysts, and social workers--provide intimate, at timespainfully frank, accounts of their inner experiences and struggles.In a series of compelling first-person narratives, written in avariety of styles, they explore such topics as the therapist'spersonal development and unconscious motivations for becoming atherapist, the emotional impact of clinical work on thepsychotherapist, the stresses and strains that the practice ofpsychotherapy can exert on a marriage, parenting and psychotherapy,disillusionment and the physical and psychic isolation of clinicalwork, the struggles of therapists who suffer from characterologicalproblems of their own, and the extreme perils of dealing withsuicidal patients. They also delve into a number of importantprofessional, ethical, and legal hazards practitioners face in thisage of the medical "quick-fix." A Perilous Calling offers readers unparalleled insight into thepsychotherapist's deepest concerns and conflicts. It reveals theperils of practice and candidly explores how some psychotherapistshave learned to cope with them. In reading this book, professionalswill learn how to take better care of themselves both in theirprofessional and personal lives and will find new ways to transformthose perils into opportunities for growth and mastery. At the sametime, their patients, friends, and loved ones will gain a deeperunderstanding of these complex and uniquely caring individuals.

This Odd and Wondrous Calling offers something different from most books available on ministry. Two people still pastoring reflect honestly here on both the joys and the challenges of their vocation. / Anecdotal and extremely readable, the book covers a diversity of subjects revealing the incredible variety of a pastor’s day. The chapters move from comedy to pathos, story to theology, Scripture to contemporary culture. This Odd and Wondrous Calling is both serious and fun and is ideal for those who are considering the ministry or who want a better understanding of their own minister’s life.

In this specially combined edition with a new foreword, Academy Award–winning producer Brian Grazer and acclaimed author Charles Fishman blend their insights from bestselling books A Curious Mind and Face to Face to transform the art of connecting with and through curiosity. In A Curious Mind, deemed “a captivation account of how the simple act of asking questions can change your life” by Malcolm Gladwell, Grazer offers a brilliant peek into the “curiosity conversations” that inspired him to create some of the world’s most iconic movies and television shows. He shows how curiosity has been the “superpower” that fueled his rise as one of Hollywood’s leading producers and creative visionaries. And in the captivating follow-up Face to Face, Grazer reveals that the secret to a more fulfilling life lies in personal connections, sparked through curiosity, learning through his interactions with people like Taraji P. Henson, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Eminem, and Prince. Now with a new foreword with fresh insights about curiosity from the last decade, A Curious Mind Expanded invites you to consider your personal journey of human connection. A fascinating page-turner, this combined edition offers a blueprint for how we can awaken our own curiosity and use it as a superpower in our own lives.

Sheldon's classic narrative offers a deep dive into historical contexts. Showcasing his storytelling prowess, this work captures the essence of an era, reflecting societal norms and challenges. A tale that speaks volumes about human resilience. Sheldon's narrative prowess brings history to life, making it relatable for modern readers.