Abstract

Dr. Alfred J. Malinowski's book provides a comprehensive resource on self-care for those working in the field of psychotherapy.

Beginning with an exploration of the role and duties of the mental health practitioner, Dr. Malinowski describes how the demands of practice can lead therapists to diminished psychological well-being. He explores the impact this can have and, through an examination of the latest research, reiterates the importance of the self-care of the practitioner. He presents a number of self-care techniques and strategies and explains how they can be applied to maintain psychological, spiritual, physical and social well-being. A final section explores the need for additional training for psychotherapists in the area of the hazards and self-care, both in graduate courses for future clinicians and to help experienced therapists continue learning and practicing self-care principles in their daily lives.

Highlighting the importance of self-care in the psychotherapy profession, this book will be of immeasurable value to psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals.

Alfred J. Malinowski, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist who diagnoses and treats individuals who suffer from mental disorders. His specialty is in treating children and adolescents. He earned a PhD in Psychology from Capella University located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and a Master's Degree in Counseling from Global University in Springfield, Missouri. Recently, he has earned his certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) by the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP). He works as a consultant at a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania (USA).
This is a wonderful supplementary text for ethics, practicum, and internship courses in mental health fields. It discusses many of the problems our professions face and some good potential solutions. As a practicing Counseling Psychologist for over 30 years, I have learned many of these lessons through the school of hard knocks. I wish I had had a book like this when I was in school. As a professor teaching counseling and psychology courses over the last 30 years, I wish I had had a book like this for my students.
David P. Sarnoff, Ph.D., ABPP licensed psychologist in private practice in Charleston, SC, Adjunct Full Professor of Counseling at Webster University, and full time Psychology core faculty at Capella University, US

Malinowski's book provides a comprehensive
resource on self-care for those working in
counselling and psychotherapy. He explores
the role and duties of mental health
practitioners, and describes how therapists
can gradually find their psychological
wellbeing diminished. The book is littered
with references to research which underlines
this, and the author presents a number of
self-care techniques and strategies which
can be applied to maintain psychological,
spiritual, physical and social wellbeing.

David Quarmby, Psychotherapist
Healthcare - Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal
A thoughtful and scholarly blend of theory and practice that will prove invaluable to both mental health practitioners and trainees. It explores therapists' vulnerability to the stresses and strains that are ubiquitous in counselling and psychotherapy and emphasises the need for self-care to avoid burn out and ensure psychological well-being. The book is packed with useful self-care strategies which will enable therapists to become more effective and sentient practitioners. In this it provides an invaluable guide to both practicing therapists and trainees which makes for essential reading for all practising mental health professionals and a core recommended text on all counselling and psychotherapy training programmes.
Christiane Sanderson BSc., MSc., Counselling Psychologist
My experience of Malinowski's book was that it was a useful review of the necessity to care for ourselves as practitioners and a useful tool for newcomers to the profession.
Sarah Paul