Doctor Quote by Irvin D. Yalom
““Were you really, truly, helpful to your patients? Maybe you've just learned to pick patients who were going to improve on their own anyway.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Psychotherapy Insights, 1990s
Therapist may unconsciously select patients likely to improve, questioning true helpfulness
In simple terms: Therapist might pick easy cases, doubting real impact
Key Takeaway
Reflect on patient selection bias, strive for genuine help
Themes
ethics
self‑awareness
therapy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- training
- supervision
- ethical review
Key Concepts
clinical bias
patient autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you choose patients who need you most?
- How can therapists ensure unbiased care?
A Different Perspective
May overlook need for challenging cases, limiting growth
