Authority Quote by Virgil Miller Newton
“Our own unresolved authority problems from our youth sometimes get transferred to our youthful patients, because we are still "covert adolescent rebels." In subtle ways, we encourage the adolescent patient to rebel towards parents, school authorities, and society in general.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Journal of Adolescent Health, 1995
Clinicians may project their own unresolved adolescent authority issues onto young patients, subtly encouraging rebellion against adult structures.
In simple terms: Therapists can unintentionally push teens to defy authority.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address your own past conflicts.
Themes
psychology
authority
adolescence
therapy
projection
Mood
reflective
cautious
insightful
Type
clinical
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- clinical supervision
- patient counseling
- training workshops
- self‑reflection sessions
Key Concepts
transference
countertransference
developmental dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How might your own youth experiences shape your clinical approach?
- What strategies can prevent projection in therapy?
A Different Perspective
If the clinician’s issues are unexamined, the therapeutic relationship may become counterproductive.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)