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If you make a mistake, admit it. Any attempt at cover-up…

“If you make a mistake, admit it. Any attempt at cover-up will ultimately backfire. At some level the patient will sense you are acting in bad faith, and therapy will suffer. Furthermore, an open admission of error is good model-setting for patients and another sign that they matter to you.” quote by Irvin D. Yalom
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““If you make a mistake, admit it. Any attempt at cover-up will ultimately backfire. At some level the patient will sense you are acting in bad faith, and therapy will suffer. Furthermore, an open admission of error is good model-setting for patients and another sign that they matter to you.””

Irvin D. Yalom

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Admitting mistakes builds trust and models honesty, preventing therapeutic breakdowns.

In simple terms: Admit errors to build trust.

Key Takeaway

Own mistakes to strengthen therapy.

Themes

ethics trust therapy

Mood

professional empathetic

Type

clinical educational

When to use this quote

  • clinical sessions
  • supervision
  • training

Key Concepts

psychology patient care

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle patient skepticism?
  • What steps ensure transparency?
A Different Perspective

Some admit may fear loss of authority.

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