How to Flourish as a Psychotherapist

As a newly qualified Clinical Psychologist in the NHS I found this book beyond mesmerising. The book may appear to be tailored to ‘Psychotherapists’ but all mental health professionals can benefit from the content of this book. After completing clinical training and transitioning to life as a qualified professional it can be very appealing to just ‘coast’ through working life until retirement (which may be fine for some!). In fact, after qualifying your internal resources (i.e. motivation, drive, love for work etc.) may be depleted and your enthusiasm for such a career may be dampened after the immense struggle of studying and working. However, Khar’s book is packed full of useful professional guidance and advice which can be used as a stepping stone towards truly flourishing as a mental health professional and avoid the pitfall of stagnation.I am a huge fan of Professor Brett Kahr. I sadly only discovered Brett earlier this year! I am currently working my way through all of his books. I wish I had come across his literature during my training. Brett writes in an engaging and accessible manner and I actually really struggled to put the book down! The content may not seem as exciting as his other books (Bombs in the Consulting Room, Coffee with Freud, and Tea with Winnicott etc.) but I found myself both revitalised about the endless career development possibilities and also reassured with some of the feelings and conflicts that come associated with life as a qualified professional. The chapters focus on different endeavours that may allow someone to truly flourish as a professional as opposed to being stagnant. I will not spoil the book but topics are wide ranging and include; teaching, presenting research, writing, networking, career development, fees, office space, ageing etc.From a personal perspective, I thoroughly enjoyed two key things about this book which I appreciate may not be for everyone’s taste; 1. Brett makes numerous references and personal anecdotes about his life and his training. I found these paragraphs probably the most enjoyable as I felt inspired by Brett’s continuous passion for new clinical projects and his enthusiasm for clinical psychology infectious. I have often been intrigued about the rigorous training of the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist so feel privileged when Brett shares these insights. I actually hope he writes a biography about himself one day! 2.) There is a short Chapter in the book on reading. Brett recommends a series of key texts and papers that would be useful for all clinicians regardless of therapeutic orientation. However, understandably (based on Brett’s background) the recommended reading tends to focus predominantly on psychoanalytic theory. I am a huge fan of psychoanalysis and have a keen interest in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Brett’s recommendations of reading material has allowed me to start to developed a more ‘structured’ way of reading and studying psychoanalytic ideas, theories and techniques. I feel this has been a huge bonus to me and could not be more grateful for Brett deciding to include such material. I have spent years struggling with psychoanalytic ideas – never knowing where to start.In conclusion, beyond my enthusiasm for Brett Kahr, I highlight recommend this book from one mental health professional to another (e.g. nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, trainees etc.). It’s one that I will be frequently be using as a reference whenever I am feeling low on drive or enthusiasm for the job I love. Dr M.L

This is a truly useful grounded look at the practically impossible but wonderfulProfession of being a psychotherapist. Kahr has really added a depth and enthusiasmTo the training and practice.

I really wanted to like this book, but the continual name-dropping, and condescension of the author have me turned off halfway through. I would not recommend it. Dear Candidates seems like it would be a much better read.