I think we have to consider that there are many kinds of caring. I care about the checker at the grocery store in the same way I care about most people - I ask her how her day is and I really hope it is going well. I listen to her answer and chat in a friendly way. I care about people.

I also care about people I interact with - like our office postman. He comes in everyday and is cheerful and nice. We trade stories and over the past 7 years I've learned a great deal about him. I care about him. I'd be sad if he was transfered or retired.

But I really care about my clients - children and their parents who need my help. I wonder how they are and I am thrilled when things are going better for them. For some of these kids, I really grow to love them and I am very sad when they grow too old for my program. Yes, I get paid to do my job, I have to feed my own family. But I don't get paid to care - that is something I give willingly and because I get so much back when I allow myself to care.

All that said - I know how hard it is to believe in the caring of your therapist. I struggle all the time, waiting to blow it and waiting for him to say, "enough!" I'm coming up on 5 years and he hasn't said it yet though!