WASHINGTON INSIGHT

CONVERSATIONS: How did Hillary Clinton survive the stresses of last year’s presidential campaign? She held imaginary conversations with Eleanor Roosevelt, she disclosed at a New York tribute to the former First Lady. “How did you put up with this?” Mrs. Clinton asked Mrs. Roosevelt. “Get out and do it, and don’t make any excuses about it,” came the answer. . . . Is this behavior normal, therapeutic? Yes, says Washington psychotherapist Jerilyn Ross. “It can really help give you encouragement and support if you dialogue with someone you see as a role model. It helps you focus your thoughts better if you can imagine a person to talk to.”