It sounds like you have a good relationship with your T both in RL and in your sessions. Was that hard for you at first? I'm asking because I have a similar situation where I see my T often in another setting. It's been difficult, not for her, but for me. I used to want to watch her all of the time, but would be afraid to be close to her or talk to her. Then, it turned into needing to "find her" whenever we were at a function together. Gradually, I've felt more comfortable with seeing her in RL, as I call it, and can act normal with her.

Do others know she's your T? Most people don't know about my T being my T, so it's a strain to be just "casually friendly" with her when I know her so well. I want her to be T in RL too, but I know that would be taking advantage of her.

I've actually had some of my most memorable therapeutic experiences with my T outside of therapy! Plus, seeing her as a "real person" has helped not to idolize or idealize her like I used to do. So, I think it can work. My T has strict boundaries and will tell me what's appropriate or not. She will never become my friend, or invite me to dinner or lunch. But she is friendly when I see her and we can chit-chat for a while.

As long as neither of you cross boundaries and become more than client/T to each other, and you are both comfortable with the situation, I think it's okay.