So You Want To Be A Psychotherapist by Linda Soules Book Review
Author: Linda Soules
Genre: Children’s Non-Fiction / Middle Grade
Year Published: 2026
Nerdection Rating:
“Nerdection Must Read”
So You Want To Be A Psychotherapist by Linda Soules is a gentle, thoughtful nonfiction guide that introduces young readers to one of the quietest but most meaningful helping professions. Unlike some career books that focus on action, tools, or public achievement, this one turns inward. It shows psychotherapy as work built on listening, patience, emotional steadiness, and the belief that people can change when they are met with care.
Spoiler-Free Plot
This illustrated career guide explains what psychotherapists do, where they work, who they work with, and why their role matters. It walks readers through therapy rooms, schools, hospitals, community centers, group settings, online sessions, and child-centered spaces.
The book also explores the basic tools of the profession, from therapeutic approaches and clinical notes to supervision, confidentiality, and the quiet structure of a therapy session. Readers are introduced to famous figures in the field, important vocabulary, practical ways to begin building listening skills, and the emotional qualities needed for this kind of work.
My Take on So You Want To Be A Psychotherapist
What stands out most about this book is its softness, but not in a weak way. It understands that psychotherapy is not dramatic on the outside. Most of the work happens in ordinary rooms, between two people, through conversations that may look simple but are actually full of care, attention, and skill.
I liked how the book avoids making therapists seem like magical problem-solvers. Instead, it presents them as steady companions who help people notice patterns, name difficult feelings, and find their own way forward. That approach feels respectful both to therapists and to the people who seek help.
The emotional honesty is one of the book’s strongest qualities. It does not hide the hard parts: slow progress, heavy stories, burnout, silence, and the need for therapists to take care of themselves too. At the same time, it shows why the work matters. A person sleeping better, speaking more clearly, or feeling less alone may not look like a grand victory from the outside, but the book understands how enormous those changes can be.
The illustrations match the tone beautifully. The rooms feel calm, warm, and safe, with soft colors and peaceful details that make the subject approachable for young readers. I also appreciated the sections on cultural humility and self-awareness, because they add depth and remind readers that therapy is not only about knowing techniques, but about respecting the full person sitting across from you.
Overall, So You Want To Be A Psychotherapist is a warm, thoughtful entry in the series, and one of the more emotionally grounded ones.
About The Author Of So You Want To Be A Psychotherapist
Linda Soules is the author and creator of the So You Want To Be A… series, a growing collection of career-exploration books for readers ages 10–14 (and beyond!). The series is envisioned to span more than 180 titles in total, with 47 published to date and new releases on a steady cadence — covering everything from astronauts and marine biologists to magicians, stunt performers, and roller coaster designers. Her philosophy is straightforward: never talk down to kids. Young readers are smarter, more curious, and more capable than the publishing world often gives them credit for, and they deserve books that respect their intelligence while genuinely sparking their enthusiasm. Each title is written to pull back the curtain on a real career — its joys, its challenges, the path to get there — and to leave readers with the sense that the world is wider, more interesting, and more reachable than they imagined.
Before turning to children’s publishing, Linda spent 25 years in law and finance, advising hedge funds and sophisticated financial institutions on legal and regulatory matters — a career that taught her precision, discipline, and how to translate intricate subjects into language anyone can use. She brings that same clarity and care to every book she writes, paired with a deep belief that curiosity is the engine of a meaningful life. Linda lives in Seattle with her husband and two children, where the steady rhythm of family life, the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the questions her own kids ask every day continue to fuel her work.
