This exert came from here - December 31, 2007 under the title "Can Therapists Have Mental Health Issues."

"It is not uncommon for individuals with past or current mental health problems to be attracted to a career in psychology. While this is not uncommon, it is important that if you are going to enter this field that you do the work (in therapy if needed) to correct, or at least become aware of, to the best of your ability, your psychological or emotional issues before you seriously consider helping others.

<font color="red"> You do not have to be “perfect” to enter the field of psychotherapy, none of us are but you do have an ethical and moral obligation to be as psychologically healthy as you can be. </font>

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In addition, if you are suffering with major psychological issues, it will be extremely difficult to help others and to give good advice. Giving bad advice could certainly harm a client and cause further emotional distress or trauma. " </font>