As Parrott describes, the therapist's person strongly influences the course of therapy (for good or bad). Becoming aware of these influences (i.e., psychological health, interest in others, empathy, warmth, self-awareness, tolerance of ambiguity, and your values, among other things) will help you identify your strengths as well as your growing points in your development as a therapist.

How will who you are influence your work? For example, the fact that you are a playful person may be helpful if you work with young children and not as necessary with an older population. That you enjoy reading widely may help you develop metaphors and talk with professional adults, but may not be as useful in your work with teens. Your patience may be useful with all populations, but your impulsiveness may be problematic. Your history of trauma may either build your ability to be empathic -- or create triggers that interfere with your ability to listen to and work with others effectively.

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URL= http://psy1.clarion.edu/jms/cptWhoRU.html

Last updated July 26, 2002