openpolitics.com

Of course, in part based on this 1980 interview . . .here’s about five minutes of it.

This former president giving candid opinions in his early 30’s. There are many clues and cues there suggesting the best way to approach him. One in particular is that he seems to thrive on attention and acknowledgement, perhaps more than most. Psychotherapy provides that better than anything.

I suspect that if guaranteed absolute privacy and confidentiality, accurate empathy and unconditional positive regard, he would speak honestly about his feelings — assured that no one would ever hear what he was saying.

More than the average person, he would in effect be “talking to himself,” perhaps with the therapist as more like a safe, respectful prop. We can’t know.

I would jump at the chance to Donald Trump’s therapist, but probably not it if was mandated, since that would not have the element of utter privacy. If he wanted to see someone who would never even acknowledge the therapy took place, and who could provide absolute privacy? I’d get in line for sure.