My old T really showed his dislike for me; it was obvious and likely mutual at the beginning.

I urge people to really take stock of this. I think that hiding behind a mask of neutrality can be a lot of anger coming from SOME Ts. In this case, I asked him several times if he was burned out (not REALLY old, but an older T). I think it was probably the case, but now reading these posts, it's even clearer what I've missed. My T from the past (more than ten years ago) really showed her positive regard (call it liking, love, affection, respect) for me.

I need that, and now I wonder: is that a large part of what is HEALING in therapy?

I think so!