I was waiting for this question. Legitimate. He does self disclose, perhaps more than some would be happy with. However, it usually relates to me in a way that pertains to my life, often discussing commonalities and similar struggles by him or past patients. If he gets off track, I say, "and this pertains to me how?" I accept him for who he is, his style personally and professionally. We have been together for almost 5 years now. Knowing him as a person helps me to understand where he is coming from when he advises me. The approach he takes, the angle he plays. He is not a blank slate that puts on a Therapist's cap and becomes someone different in session. None of us are a blank slate nor should we be. Exuding a presence of being unapproachable, impermeable, making a client feel so afraid that if you stepped over the mark, you would be sent assunder. Dont get me wrong, My therapist has his personal boundaries, He has had to ask me to respect them at times. Our relationship somehow works. It's a balance that is always evolving.