I think it's intimidating for a spouse or significant other. Here we are, bearing our souls to someone other than our partner. They naturally wonder why they aren't good enough to be the person we turn to.

Unless you've been in therapy, I don't think it's easy to understand why we need therapeutic relationship. We need someone who is going to listen and not just say "there-there" and pat us on the back.

But....if you haven't experienced the need for it....I think it's hard to understand it and hence, why people get so defensive and blame therapy/therapists.