The Beginning Psychotherapist's Companion

The Beginning Psychotherapist's Companion provides guidance regarding topics essential to effective and ethical mental health practice, such as readers' emotions, well-being, and relationships. The reader is assisted in managing boundaries with regards to the psychotherapy session, communications between sessions, and the psychotherapist's online presence. Because psychotherapists are often the first to hear about the client's difficulties, the reader is educated about additional treatments that the client may need and is encouraged to assist the client with appropriate referrals. Behavioral health emergencies are also introduced.

Jan Willer is a psychologist, author, and educator. As a former psychology internship training director, she has lectured, taught, and published on mental health training. She has an independent practice in Chicago, Illinois.

- SECTION 1: YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- 1.You, A Mental Health Professional
- 2.Common Feelings
- 3. Psychotherapist Well-Being
- SECTION 2: UNDERSTANDING KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- 4. Our Differences from Our Clients
- 6. The Therapeutic Frame
- 7. Confidentiality
- 8. Informed Consent
- SECTION 4: BOUNDARIES IN THE SESSION AND ONLINE9. Boundary Crossings, Boundary Violations, and Multiple Relationship
- 10. Boundary Considerations
- 11. Psychotherapist Self-Disclosure
- 12. Your Online Presence, Behavior, and Boundaries
- SECTION 5: COMMUNICATIONS, DATA SECURITY, AND DOCUMENTATION
- 13. Clinical Electronic Communications and Data Security
- 14. Professional Phone Contacts and the Initial Phone Call
- 15. Effective Documentation
- SECTION 6: MEETING AND ASSESSING THE CLIENT
- 16. Making Clinical Observations
- 17. Making a Diagnosis
- 18. The First Session: Preparation, Tasks, and Structure
- SECTION 7: MAKING EFFECTIVE REFERRALS
- 19. Psychotropic Medication: Referrals and Adherence
- 20. Health-Related Referrals
- 21. Mental Health Settings, Treatments, and Referrals
- 22. Substance Misuse Disorders: Treatments and Referrals
- 23. Behavioral Health Emergencies
- SECTION 8: YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REVISITED
- 24. Your Growth