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pinksoil said:
Many therapists don't "teach" skills, they mainly provide opportunites for new ways of relating-- but that is not "taught" by the therapist. It is a process that can take quite some time to unfold. Again, I have to speak from both sides-- I am a therapist in training who has had quite an upbrining. If you looked at my history, you would probably say it was illegal for me to give therapy to others, lol. However, that is something that is worked out in the meantime-- I do not bring my issues into therapy (as a therapist, obviously), and they do not influence the manner in which I deal with clients. My coping skills are a direct result of my upbringing-- when I give therapy, it is with a conscious mind of not putting my "stuff" on someone else. I have spent a lot of time in school (and in my own therapy) bringing my any stereotypes, biases, issues, etc., to consciousness. I don't look at therapy as teaching-- the client teaches his or herself. The therapist facilliates this. Provides the insight. Is a blank slate for the client to project onto. Helps to awake the unconscious. Gives unconditional positive regard. Feels along with the client. Provides the most unique relationship one will ever experience. Will understand the client like no one has ever understood him/her in the world.

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pinksoil, it's good to see this from the perspective of a t! (or at least, one in training )
So you're learning... how do you yourself know that the things you're learning are 'true'? For example I once read a book about Freud and I think some of the things he said are a bit... weird. You could interpret that as me being resistant and not wanting to face up to the truth, or alternatively that I plain just don't agree with it. From the impression I get those are conclusions that Freud drew, rather than being verifiable truth. If it is based on somebody's (possibly misguided) conclusions, then doesn't that mean that your own understanding of psychological issues may be incorrect, and so this would influence your understanding of a client, and so this would mean that the way you treat the client may not *really* be in the best interest of the client (though you believe and want it to be the best interest). I'm not quite sure if I've expressed what I'm meaning to say here... please ask if it doesn't make sense