Psychotherapy is foundational to both mental health and psychiatric nursing. In psychotherapy, one must constantly reflect on oneself and one's part in the evolving process as well as constantly assess the person receiving care. Both partners grow in an effective therapeutic relationship. The nurse's growth is in the development of competencies and skills that are then taken forward to others. Thus, the concept of “becoming” a nurse psychotherapist is an important part of the therapeutic process. This book, in examining this process in depth and breadth, is an important addition to this body of knowledge. It guides the novice psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) into the role of a psychotherapist, not so much as in the context of “how-to” but in the necessary process of “becoming ready” to function in this capacity before applying techniques. It helps the nurse prepare to handle the content of other “how-to” texts and to use it therapeutically. Because of American Nurses Credentialing Center certification requirements, all psychiatric APRN programs have introductory course content on at least two modes of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and so forth. However, it is often assumed that the process of applying these techniques will flow naturally. The authors have translated their own experience as psychotherapists into teaching strategies to be used during clinical supervision and to provide tools for psychiatric APRN students and graduates pursuing this area of practice.