I'm afraid then, that if anyone finds out that I've been in a sticky psychological pickle myself, they won't trust me as a confidant.
My experience is the other way around. When they understand that you are struggling with your own issues, people seem to trust you more -- the relationship becomes more equal, as it should. I could be wrong though.
I totally agree. People are much more afraid of someone they see as a superhero with no problems than they are of someone they perceive to be as flawed as they see themselves. The thing is, everyone is nuts. Some people are more nuts than others, and some people hide it well, but everyone has fears, unfulfilled desires, negative thoughts, feelings of failure, etc.
I give lots and lots of advice as you know. If you don't know that, OftenBen, - see Lil's Book of Questions. I even give advice to people who are sick of hearing advice. I hesitate to say this, but it is possible that the more therapy you have had, the more qualified you are to give advice. So in full disclosure, therapy - let me count the ways: *group therapy for survivors of domestic violence *individual therapy for same and backwards from there. In university, I wish I had had more.
The right person can help a lot - or at least inspire you to look for ways to help yourself. I'm also fond of self-help books, that speak to you at certain times in your life and have discussed that with hubski here.