I enjoyed reading about this approach. I find that talking about myself rather than the patient levels the playing field and establishes a degree of trust and intimacy which helps the therapeutic encounter. My approach (which is not always successful when people have a hidden agenda or just want to hear what they want o hear) is to talk and speak like I am at the patient's kitchen table. Sincere and down to earth. I try to share things the patient and I have in common to create a bond and increase my personal satisfaction being a steward and advisor.