There is something to that--dealing with/expressing my anger at MC, for example, helps me deal with anger better in real life--I can sort of practice with a T (who is supposedly about to deal with my anger).

However, at the same time, if a T can avoid these things by having clear, consistent boundaries, then the client can focus on real issues. And certainly, other issues can come up between a client and T--I just feel like the boundary one comes up frequently on here and is preventable. Sure, a T can make exceptions to a boundary, like if a client is in crisis (I think that's part of why MC didn't want to set a clear defined limit yesterday), but there needs to be an actual rule, of which both the client and T are aware, to allow exceptions.

Plus, if you go by what you said...then, hey, maybe a T should be emotionally abusive to their clients to help them deal with emotionally abusive people in real life. But I don't see how that would be good or appropriate...