For many people who are in therapy, it can be good to know that therapists also make mistakes. Sounds obvious, but it isn’t something that everyone considers. Irwin Hirsch has written a terrific book on this, Coasting in the Countertransference. He explores how sometimes therapists avoid anxiety-ridden topics, rather than deal with the discomfort that can arise in pursuing particular issues. It’s a helpful reminder that therapy requires a certain courage from patients, as well as their therapists.