About Quote by Robert D. Hare
“Many psychopaths describe the traditional treatment programmes as finishing schools where they hone their skills. Where they find out that there are lots of techniques they had not thought about before.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths by Robert D. Hare, 1993
Psychopaths view treatment as a place to learn new manipulative tactics, seeing it as a skill‑building school rather than rehabilitation.
In simple terms: They treat therapy as a training ground for deception.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that some clients may exploit therapy.
Themes
psychopathy
rehabilitation
manipulation
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
clinical
ethical
When to use this quote
- clinical assessment
- risk management
- therapeutic boundaries
Key Concepts
behavioral conditioning
ethical dilemmas
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians prevent skill‑building in therapy?
- What safeguards protect vulnerable patients?
A Different Perspective
Therapy can be co‑opted for personal gain, limiting effectiveness.
