But I think good therapists for the right reasons--and bad therapists for the wrong reasons--do feel more of an emotional investment in their clients' lives than you recognize or want. Part of their assessment (echoed by the culture, I think) of their role is about the degree to which the personal is engaged within the professional. More so than with teachers in most situations. Interestingly, this is culturally determined: teachers at all levels in Japan are seen and see themselves as far more personally engaged as professionals.

As far as the level of investment and emotional reaction, I suppose for me personally, as well as professionally, the reason suicide feels different from a car wreck or disease is that I have more belief that the suicide decision could be subject to influence, whereas the disease or accident feels more beyond influence. In personal circumstances, I have no professional relationship to feel an obligation towards. In a professional capacity, my feelings are subject to my role.