Now don't feel sorry for the person who looked to me as some kind of spiritual guide.  She knew everything she needed to know before she sought my counsel.  I was just the sounding board for her own inner monologue.  I made the right sounds and suddenly everything seemed clearer. 
And what was the essence of the words I spoke?  It can all be distilled down to the Spike Lee School of Spiritual Guidance: DO THE RIGHT THING!