I believe that a lot of experience can be obtained from education and professional training. In my experience, however, life experience is mostly something that has to be, well, experienced. For example, milestones...such as losing many loved ones. Being married for over three decades, and all the 'stuff' that comes with a long-term marriage. Having empty nest syndrome. Facing mid-life to senior issues.

I think I need to know this therapist a little better. At first glance she seemed like someone who presents as quite young and naive. She did mention that she is a cancer survivor...now that is something I consider major life experience.

I am seeing a therapist primarily for grief and loss issues. If the therapist has never in her life experienced the loss of a loved one (and that definitely includes a pet), there could be a problem for me. I mean, one has to feel loss...reading about loss or hearing about someone else's loss isn't quite the same as going through it first-hand.