At the heart of my perspective is the idea that as a therapist I have a special kind of role and potential for influence on people's lives. At the same time, I am participating as a fellow human being with an array of emotions and personal tendencies not unlike those of the people who come to me for help. And indeed, as is common of people in the field, and even as is required in formal analytic training, I’ve been a patient myself (hopefully yielding enhanced self-awareness). So I know what it’s like from both sides.
I have a conviction that although therapy is a paid for service that entails certain theories and methods, little can happen that will be meaningful and powerful in struggling to overcome problems unless a genuine personal connection develops between my patient and myself. That connection is unique in each case and not fully predictable.
Unusual respect and love can evolve deriving partly from my learning about a person's history. Consequently, I'm likely to appreciate keenly the risks accompanying that person's courageous attempts to change. I can then offer empathic, informed, and encouraging consultation as he or she struggles for a better quality of life.