I'm not quite sure I was clear enough in the original post. So, I will attempt to clarify in a summary form. What I was trying to say is:

Through the contract and my inability/unwillingness to hold up my end of the deal I was better able to take notice of the problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Sunrise I think the contract can be helpful in certain situations but I think one should be very selcetive in its use. I know for me looking back I should have been more vocal about what I didn't understand. I don't know the details of your position but maybe you could talk to those clients and tell them more about your purpose in their seeing you, ask them if they have any questions. I know for me I tried to get my T to tell me the problems as she saw them but she continually refused. I can't say for sure that if she had pointed out my problems as she saw them that it would have helped but that too might be helpful. Then again they could just minimize the problems you point out.