I have no illusions about my relationship with my T being limited and based on our professional agreement, but I still count it as a relationship. She shares energy, communication, infinite attention and patience, some personal information, and a truly genuine warmth and affection for me. And I, in return, give my commitment to the work (which is about me) and share my genuine warmth and affection for her. The limitations of our relationship are based on the professional restrictions of therapy, which serve us both, imo.

It is not like my other relationships. In some ways, it is much less free and mutual. In other ways, it is much better. None of its unique characteristics take it out of the realm of relationship, i.e. two people relating to one another.

And I would wholeheartedly agree, as someone with experience with both, that any comparison between a prostitute and a good therapist is specious and borders on offensive. In my mind, there is no comparison.