| Abstract: | Reviews the literature and presents several scenarios concerning the impact of practicing psychotherapy on the psychotherapist, focusing on the effects on their interpersonal functioning. Findings reveal such positive consequences of practicing psychotherapy as increased assertiveness, self-assurance, self-reliance, and self respect; negative consequences include increased anxiety and higher suicide and alcoholism rates. Ways to minimize or eliminate possible negative consequences are suggested, including alerting psychotherapists to the potential problems, more adequate screening and monitoring of allied mental health professionals at the pre- and postgraduate level, and monitoring of professionals in the field by postgraduate professional organizations. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
