How can a therapist understand?

Today I was asked, "How can a therapist understand someone if he or she has not experienced the situation?"

As a MFT Intern my job is to offer empathy and whether I understand an experience in someone's life or not is not relevant to the client. What will understanding the experience do for the client?

My task and theory orientation is to give the tools needed to the client to help them own their story and embrace their story for future change. Understanding the past does not bring change. Embracing one's past and stepping forward brings change.

Your story is to valuable to others not to embrace. Your story needs to be hope and encouragement to others. Your story is an element in the bigger picture of God's redemptive story.

Allow Him to redeem and validate you so you can share His glory and story with others.