I'm really encouraged by all these stories of positive responses. Whether T. was angry or calm, mirrored or didn't, a lot of the time people seem to report that it was exactly what they needed, or that it at least strengthened the therapeutic alliance in the end.

I find myself sort of touched by the delicacy of those privileged to hear our stories. Yes, it's all too common, and, yes, there's often some therapeutic distance, but still...What enormous pressure, to have to hear what they hear and respond in the 'right' way.