I have not read all of the posts. I may repeat what others have said. I apologize. The reason I think many can see and feel for others is the vantage point. One can see others much better than one can see oneself due to the placement of our eyes. One cannot see one's face without a mirror unless he or she is visually impaired. Thus awful situations may not be impossible to get out of if viewed from....the air, across the street, under the covers, from the pet's point of view, or from the stranger's point of view. This is how a therapist, best friend, counselor, or doctor, can help. Some doctors do not have the needed compassion, but all in all, it is this other view that can help us find a way to hold on and possibly find a way to get out of what seem impossible. At the very least the other point of view can remind you that there is in fact another way of looking at your individual situation.