Hm, he doesn't tell me what to do! He offers alternatives and asks what I think of them, how they would make me feel, etc. It's not the same as having someone tell you what you should do. He'll ask me how I felt about a particular situation, then once I describe it he'll ask why I didn't say how I felt at the time, and we discuss the reasons why I'm not open about certain things, etc. etc. (I realize that's vague for an example, but it's very personal stuff so I'm choosing not to be overly specific.) I'm learning to be a lot more insightful and a lot more honest and sharing with myself and others.

As far as having his own issues, I have no doubt that he does! That's why therapists go through so much training -- so they can act objectively and in the interest of their clients. He never acts judgmental, just gets me to talk about whether the things I'm doing are healthy or not.

It's been amazingly helpful so far!

Sidony