it can certainly be that way and be experienced that way, and I have definitely had moments it was that way for me. but I don't suppose it ALWAYS has to be, or is, that way ..... if we change the way we view/react to the experience, perception of the experience.
I tended to think of therapy as that it's supposed to be working partnership or some sort of alliance, where T was working for and with me, rather than a battle where I was fighting her - or that we were fighting on the same side, with the purpose to help me overcome in the battle within me. Yeah, T2 turned into a sparring partner sometimes, but that was fun mostly, humor and wit ..... and she also challenged the heck out of me. And sometimes I think I found myself pushing, arguing, trying to influence or yes, manipulate, and see if T would really take the bait and it would turn into an outright battle ..... but neither of them let it become a battleground.
The battleground/battle (war) was/is in ME......