Sugahorse,

I think the training t's are given equips them with enough information about our disorders/issues that they can offer helpful support and guidance, as well as showing us coping skills. However, i agree that they can't really know "how it feels" to be bipolar. They can read descriptions of how bipolar people feel and react to things, but they can't personally experience in their own minds and bodies the manias and depressions, and other features of bipolar.

It sounds to me like your t might be concerned about you going to PC for advice because she's afraid you will trust the advice of people here, rather than putting your trust in her (the professional). Maybe she's afraid it will affect your therapy negatively (for example, if the advice on PC differs from her advice). Just a guess. . .

I think you should talk to your t more about this. Maybe she will tell you why she is so concerned about it.