Very interesting discussion here. I would only add that I certainly do try to keep Maslow's Hierarchy somewhere in the back of my mind when reading a new poster's posts. Just personally and for me, not saying anyone else has to agree with this, but I might have slightly different feedback for someone who is homeless and living under a bridge than I might for a gainfully employed suburban person. Not because one is more valid or important than the other, but because the reality is options are not the same.

I would also say that, while I agree validation is very important, it is not always appropriate. For example, someone who states that they are dealing illegal drugs is not going to have those illegal and dangerous and anti-recovery activities validated by me.

Similarly, someone who admits that they are abusing a spouse or child. No validation of that either--at least not from me. There are some things, it seems to me, that nearly every sensible person can agree are just wrong--dealing drugs, beating a husband. And I don't think we need to be in the business of validating those activities. Not telling anyone else what to believe, just sharing my take.