Of course, the purpose of conducting psychotherapy is not to address one’s own issues,
and doing so deliberately is not only poor practice but also unethical. But we should not be
grandiose enough to believe that we have no blind spots or limitations. Sometimes our clients
push certain buttons in us that activate hidden sensitivities or unfinished business that require
attention outside of the therapy context (e.g., in supervision, or with our own therapists). In
other instances, the manner in which clients cope with trauma, grief, loss, and so on can be
instructive and even inspiring for us when we come face to face with similar events or situations
in our own lives.