The different preferences in working style are interesting. My last t was very warm and helpful but did not disclose much. He was a very good therapist, very skilled yet I was never able to fully open up about my own history. I know it is different for everyone.

For me anyways, shame, humiliation kept me from revealing my history. With a t who has a similar abuse history, it provided an easier path towards trust. There is the pain that comes with human experience and then there is a whole other level that not everyone understands.

Of course those without a shared history can be great t’s too. There is just something about having an understanding with another person.