Yes they are. They are trained to present unconditional acceptance and positive regard.
They use technique to build the relationship... such as restating what the client says to show empathetic understanding, mirroring of behaviors and speech, etc.

Can you imagine having the ability to work with a child sex abuser? A relationship there?

If you read the literature it says Ts need to find one thing to "like" about a client. They may not LIKE the client, but maybe they like the client's interest in art or the client's sense of humor.

The entire setting is fake.