One of my favourite things about my therapist is she very rarely gives me compliments. And when she does compliment me, it feels very natural, balanced, and accurate. I agree that giving too many compliments can come off phony and contrived. I could never be happy with a 'feel-good' therapist who holds your hand and tells you nice stuff.

My therapist is extremely objective about my strengths and weaknesses. She sits across the room from me. We have no physical contact. She mostly has a blank expression on her face. She makes astute observations. And she doesn't treat me with kid gloves. She gives it to me straight. Sometimes she tells me stuff I don't like to hear, and I'll argue with her. ("Cold?! I'm not cold!"). But ultimately I respect her.

That's why I've been seeing her for 10 years.