What an interesting discussion. It really made me think of all of the different ways we "know" people.

My therapist shares stories about her life, "small talk" stories about things we have in common as we're easing in to a session, or stories that illustrate a point we're discussing. It has been helpful the very few times she's indicated without going into personal detail that she understands some of what I am facing. I've been deeply grateful for that. She is consistently kind, professional, thought-provoking, knowledgeable, funny. I feel like I "know" her as well as the professional relationship allows, and I don't think those boundaries mean the relationship isn't genuine.