Problem: According to Levy (2003), therapists' own personal and professional beliefs may lead them to elicit information from clients that confirms their particular theoretical orientation. Thus, Freudians may search and be more likely to find unconscious motivational conflicts, behaviorists may find maladaptive learning patterns, and cognitive theorists may discover irrational belief systems.
- When have you (or someone you know) demonstrated the confirmation bias?
- What are some of the implications of therapists exhibiting this bias?
- What can therapists do to avoid it?