Honest communication goes a long way and can be constructive if kept away from the mean or accusatory dialogues that could come from it. Moving forward collectively towards a common goal is usually the best way. But I'm not a counsellor of course.

I can see how you would gain a lot from those sessions also. I used to do the same in the mentoring and development of those placed under my influence. They would come along as young fresh-faced individual's and and I'd integrate them into the team, and help them grow and progress along the way as an individual; it had strong benefits to them personally and the team. It was rewarding, if super difficult at times.

I like your last comment above and agree completely. Maybe society isn't hitting the mark so well these days when it comes to relationships and the fact there's many forms of them. Who knows why, or even if it's true. I don't, certainly.