Having been on both sides of the table I would be hesitant to have a friendship while in therapy (or providing therapy). While I can completely understand how it could help make the relationship stronger in some ways it also blurs the boundaries between what is and isn't appropriate. I would also be concerned about issues that may arise. For example, if as a friend there was a falling out it could jeapodise the therapeutic relationship, or an issue sharing in therapy and being able to have the difficult conversations for fear of risking the friendship. The issues around transference in therapy are also escalated.

I don't know about where you live but I know here in Australia there are some very strict guidelines about forming relationships with clients outside of a therapy setting. They do relax a little if the person is no longer a client but it still needs to be considered due to the position of power that the therapist can have. There is always the risk of 'taking advantage' of a client who may feel pressured to continue the relationship.

Now don't get me wrong, a cup of coffee or meet up every now and then, especially after therapy has ceased, is not a problem to me but I would be hesitant to take it further than that without a lot of discussion and consideration of the risks.

As a client, I feel the same way - therapy is great for what it is but I would be worried about how it could negatively impact on my therapy by knowing my therapist outside of that setting.