Part of this is also called "theory of mind", understanding another perspective in a given context/situation. As an Autistic I am sorely lacking in theory of mind and so am particularly bad at "walking in another shoes" no matter how hard I try. I I know the answer to "Question: Is there any way of KNOWING, objectively, that one's efforts to "walk in another's shoes" are correct?" is very clearly NO, I cannot. I find that I am often very harshly judged for my inability to do this. I feel however that everyone does it to a LIMITED capability... my capability is just so much more limited I stand out.

LOVE this question: "Question: How do T's do this, or try to do this, with their clients? Is this a skill they are taught in T-school? Are all T's equally adept in doing this? Can you flunk out of T-school because this task is beyond you? Can you still have a successful career as a practicing T despite being unable to do this?"

My T does not do this with me which is what makes her seem cold... however it is part of what works SO very well between us (thanks for the help on the homework... we have been working on a list of things she does right). YES, T's can be removed from/fail practicum for not being able to do this appropriately at least in the schools I was in. I however believe that for some you can be an even MORE successful T without this ability because, if you are aware of your limitations you will make fewer assumptions about your clients experience. IMO the job of a T is, in part, to get the client to better able to describe/define their experience. Often T's who are good at walking in others shoes do not push their clients to do this but rather the T tries to work things out themselves... IMO it is like a parent doing their child's homework... However, my T and I differ STRONGLY on this opinion.

"Question: Is it ever really possible to "walk in the shoes of another?" Really? Aren't our efforts, however successful they may be, always falling short of the extent of knowledge implied (at least to me) by that phrase? To what extent, if any, do we all really live our lives in solitude?"
For me the answer to the first point is a very clear, hard NO! IMO our solitude is directly correlated with how well we can express ourselves to those around us AND how well we are able to surround ourselves with people who are equally capable of receiving that information.

However, if you would like to walk in my shoes they are a mens, size 9.5 (US), Twisted X, 13", steel toed boot with slightly more wear on the back outside of each heel than anywhere else.