[b]

Therapists who just sit there with a clipboard, not really saying much or showing much expression, would not "be there", IMHO.

Of course, I think there is a point where you have to accept the therapist's limit for how much they want to be "there" for you. They can't answer every phone message or email. They won't always say the most comforting thing when you're in pain. Sometimes, when you're having a crisis, they will have to cancel an appointment or cut one shut. The patient has a responsibility to define "being there" in a reasonable, realistic fashion. They also have to shed some of their mistrust and fear and allow the therapist to care for them...to "be there" for them. Because otherwise, what's the point?