Abstract
Mistakes are common in everyday life, and psychotherapy is no exception. This article offers a model that identifies two types of mistakes: strategic mistakes, which occur when a significant misunderstanding is made in a patient's diagnosis or treatment plan, and tactical mistakes, which occur when the therapist, within a strategically well-designed therapy, makes inappropriate moves that produce adverse effects. Strategic mistakes, if appropriately analyzed, are good learning opportunities for trainees. Tactical mistakes are something more, because besides offering a chance to learn, they can also be seen as therapeutic opportunities. This article presents five steps to promote an effective use of mistakes in therapy: legitimation of the mistakes, cooperation with patients, awareness of our most common mistake patterns, true apologies, and identification of the healing meaning of each mistake.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have