I am only a client. But my T is also a client. He has fought an amazing battle - and continues to win each day. For me, because he has shared a small amount of his struggle with me, I have a lot more respect for what he says. I don't think a T has to have walked a mile in the clients shoes to be able to help them, but I do think it can make a huge difference in certain situations. Because my situation involves CSA and PTSD, having a T who also has a past of CSA and has ongoing PTSD, I am able to feel that when he says he is sorry that I am having a rough day that he does know what I am going through for real - not just book knowing or experience in seeing it from others.