My t had a lot of trauma and neglect in childhood and early adult life and she still struggles with the effects of that in late life. She has been in therapy a few times throughout her life. She has her fair share of mental health issues which is why she is filled with incredible amounts of understanding and compassion for me. I need that as a foundation.

First hand experience gives therapists a knowing that can't fully be understood just by reading a text book. Personally, I will not see a talk therapist who hasn't "been there" themselves.