Hi Richard!

[Nic]

Dear Richard,
What touched me the most about your post was certainly, your story, but especially the fact, the idea that you shared it with us.  I remember some of my therapists in the past erecting very strict boundaries between them and me..and certainly I can understand that, but I was always disappointed that I didn't even get a glimmer of their Humanity to take home with me.  I've often wondered about that, the thought has crossed my mind now and then up until I read your account of your life.
It was just revealing enough.  I connected to your story of course but it was more than that..your entire effort to help voiceless people truly came alive for me because you gave, you lent and shared your voice with me.
Thank you for that.  I'm at a loss for words to describe what it was exactly that brought tears to my eyes while reading.
I hope you don't find this corny but ..you are in authority here..and reading your post was almost as if my dad ( who has never said anything to me about his father) ..it was as if my dad had told me something of himself for the very first time..aw chucks! see..I'm feeling guilty and sucky for having said that!!!  but I said it so there..
Thanks again, Nic

[Dr. Richard Grossman]

Hi Nic,

A whole book could (and should) be written on the kind of boundaries that you are talking about between therapist and client.  For me, what is most healing in therapy is a powerful attachment—made by both parties.  “Revealing” often helps that attachment because it helps the client see the therapist as human, vulnerable, and trustworthy (assuming this is true).

I hope you don't find this corny but ..you are in authority here..and reading your post was almost as if my dad ( who has never said anything to me about his father) ..it was as if my dad had told me something of himself for the very first time..aw chucks! see..I'm feeling guilty and sucky for having said that!!!  but I said it so there..

I can’t but help love a person who lets me into their world in this way--and I'm sure many of the readers felt the same way. This is exactly the therapy process.

Many thanks for your courageous post!


Richard