I've never had a therapist claim to understand me as well as I understand myself; none of my therapists have "god complexes." I'm not sure that is at all what the question was asking either, but I suppose it could be construed that way.

And no, I don't think they always understand everything about me better than I do myself; that would be silly because, as you say, they have not lived my life which is why I answered "sometimes."

I also answered "yes, and it is positive" though because I have learned over time that my therapists have understood things about me much sooner and more clearly than I was able to. I've reached a point now where I think I finally know myself better than anyone, but I spent years and years completely lost: lost in my misbeliefs inflicted on my by my abusers; lost in my depression that was like trying to think and function through quicksand; lost in my skewed sense of the world around me that I've realize now was a bit like looking through very distorted lenses.

My therapists were able to see more clearly what was going on with me, what was driving me down some very negative and dangerous paths, what was probably going to need to happen before I could ever find my way clear of the quicksand and depression and warped sense of reality. The hard part was getting to the point where I could finally see myself for who I really was.

Maybe some people have done that all their life, but I can honestly say, I only knew parts of myself and the rest was very confused and lost. Having that person who could see me more clearly when I definitely could not led me to this place right now where I finally can see myself very clearly and can function completely. Thank goodness I had someone who could help me see my way through.