I hired my therapist for her knowledge, experience, and skill in dealing with issues I needed to resolve. As we worked, we developed a caring relationship. My sense is that I pay for the former, and the latter is something sacred, beyond and complementary to the contracted work.

She says she'll be there for me as long as she is able, a lifelong commitment. She says if the time comes that I cannot afford her fee she will continue to see me, though I am 120% resolved not to allow that to happen. The guidance I pay for is a most worthwhile investment, has already paid huge dividends in my life and my family's life during the past year. The knowledge that she'd see me without the fee is very reassuring that the bond is genuine, and that she truly does she her work as a vocation, rather than a job.

I am sure many therapists fall somewhere on the spectrum between her and the person who wrote that article. I will withhold my opinion on him: I am trying to cut back on my cursing.

It is important though that therapists do help move the client toward a place of getting their needs met outside the session, in many cases gradually removing the need for therapy at all. But I trust all ethical therapists to do this, it's foundational to the practice. If we as clients aren't making any progress or don't trust that our therapist is ethical or that the expense is justifiable, certainly we would want to reevaluate. Obviously from the article, just having alphabet soup after your name doesn't guarantee fitness for a very special profession.