Bhagavad Gita 4.34

Know that by approaching with respect, by questioning, and by service. Those who see reality will teach you.

तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया ।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ॥

tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya |
upadeksyanti te jnanam jnaninas tattva-darsinah ||

Know that by approaching with respect, by questioning, and by service. Those who see reality will teach you.

In classical traditions, a true teacher does not demand blind obedience; they actively welcome deep, probing inquiry ( pariprasna ). In modern mental health, this perfectly describes the standard for a safe, ethical therapist. Treat your therapist with respect, but a professional who gets defensive or angry when you ask about their training, methods, fees or boundaries is not a safe person to rely on. Good therapy is a partnership, built on mutual respect and on your right to ask practical questions about your own care.