In my experience intellectual knowledge is way far different than being able to apply that knowledge and make positive changes. Some of my best learning experiences have been with those who knew far less than I did about things I wanted to learn. There are masters who are good teachers and not, and those whose curiosity and experience mastering something else enabled them to be a worthy traveler. Or as my T describes it, the accompanist to my solo performance.

In my opinion, "specialists" in certain kinds of therapy or life problems or disorders or whatever are far less useful than an experienced T with good observational skills and understanding of human behavior. I think the least important thing is the knowledge a T has.

In my therapy world, the T isn't a leader or a director down any path at all. At best, he follows me down where I've chosen to go. At worst, he's scrambling to keep up with me. I relish the opportunity to teach him something about me and what I've been through. Book learning doesn't help me here.