This book investigates the professional failures of experienced therapists to determine how mistakes contribute to clinical growth and improved patient outcomes. Authors Jon D. Carlson and Jeffrey A. Kottler, both established figures in the field of counseling and psychology, utilize a collection of candid accounts from seasoned practitioners. By examining these lapses in judgment, technique, and ethics, the authors argue that the acknowledgment of failure is a necessary component of developing clinical expertise and maintaining professional integrity.

Experts in the field of psychotherapy frequently cite this work as a vital resource for normalizing the experience of failure among clinicians. Readers often note that the prose is accessible yet maintains a high level of professional rigor, making it a standard text for graduate-level training programs.