I think part of what they get is doing something they like and doing something they are good at (hopefully). It is great to be able to use our skills and talents daily in our jobs. My T was telling me the other day how he is very forgetful about details, following instructions, etc. He says he is good with feelings, and images, the big picture, etc. He said this is (partly) why being a therapist was a good fit for him--he gets to use those things he is good at, and can get by without trying to do (too much) the things he is bad at. (He is not a cognitive therapist.)

Speaking as one who works with psychiatric patients each day on my job, I do not do it because I am a voyeur. I am genuinely interested in people and their lives.