I think it depends on the therapist and the client. It's okay to ask, but they may not answer questions like that. I think it's their right to decide how much to share when it comes to things like that. They may also not want to share because they don't think sharing that information would help, and they want to keep the focus on the client.

I've been really helped by building what feels like a genuine relationship myself. It's what I missed out on and it's what my therapist gave me. I feel quite privileged that she has always been quite open with me. She will give me examples of times when she's struggled. I know she has had some difficulties with her family relationships before, but she has not struggled with life in quite the same way as I have.