One of life's greatest privileges is to walk alongside another. As a Clinical Psychologist, I have met with people from all walks of life, to bring meaningful health solution to a range of mental health needs. Mental illness is a tyrannical oppressor that wears many faces. While charged with medicine, science, and the best of the evidence base, these tools are rendered somewhat useless without tangible and meaningful change. That is, the transformative power of listening, attending, and empathy. In practioning alongside you, I am no longer the same. I have acquired a gift far exceeding the minutes, moments, or madness. Humanity under duress, an ailing and afflicted heart, unreasonable oppression has seen new insight procured, compassed by sitting across the room. In dedication to the thousands of you, here is what I've learned from you, sitting across the room.