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Article

Why are We Psychotherapists?: The Necessity of Help for the Helper

Pages 239-246
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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The aim of this article is to encourage transactional analysis (TA) psychotherapists, in general, and trainee TA psychotherapists, in particular, to develop a deeper understanding of their choice of profession and the potential consequences of this personally and professionally. Some of the literature regarding the psychological underpinnings of the choice of psychotherapy as a career are explored. In addition, the author considers some of the implications of these psychological underpinnings, namely the importance of commitment to the personal journey as a psychotherapist, particularly the ongoing need for personal psychotherapy, training, and supervision for the sake of both clients and the psychotherapist.

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Author information

Ann Heathcote

Ann Heathcote, B.Sc. (Hons.) Psych., Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), has a private psychotherapy practice in North West Manchester, United Kingdom, and also manages The Worsley Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling. She is coeditor of the Transactional Analysis Journal. She can be reached at The Worsley Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling, 50 Bridgewater Road, Walkden, Worsley M28 3AE, United Kingdom; e-mail: .