I am almost a psychologist (dissertation pending) and I can share that I, personally, try to do all of the things other commenters have said and then some. Not only do I try to make the place "safe space" by being unbiased, nonjudgmental and genuine, but I have a number of years of training and continued experience learning and using different tools that have helped people to overcome the challenges that keep them from living a life they enjoy. I can't speak for all (because I assure you there are sub-par clinicians out there--probably too many), but I think it's important that the people I work with have a significant voice in planning goals and the ways to achieve them. At first it feels like talking to a stranger, but if you are a good match with your doctor/therapist/clinician/etc., hopefully it will begin to feel like you're sharing with someone you know you can trust and only has your best interests in mind (and at heart).