Why Great Therapists Don't Pretend to Know Everything
In this segment Hallie Bulkin explains a decision‑making framework designed for clinicians that does not provide a single answer but instead guides therapists to ask better questions. She argues that true confidence comes from critical thinking—identifying what you see, possible contributors, what lies within your scope, who else should be involved, and determining the next best step—rather than memorizing every diagnosis or pretending to have all the answers. Bulkin stresses the importance of openly communicating uncertainty to parents, saying “I’m not sure, let me consult my colleagues,” which builds trust and is appreciated by families. She also highlights the value of taking extra time outside a session to seek input from peers, positioning collaboration as a professional responsibility that ultimately benefits the child.
