I don't think it's about money, and I think prostitution is the opposite of therapy. A prostitute sells her body and keeps her mind and emotions to herself. Therapy is the opposite.

To see the money as a sign that the relationship isn't "real" is to see the money as something you give to your T and not as money you are spending on yourself. I believe I have a relationship with my T, and that I have had meaningful relationships with other professionals e.g. lecturers at university. When I taught part-time at a uni, I cared about my students. I did not care because I was paid. I was simply paid to be there. I cared because I am human.

I would fully expect my T to terminate the relationship if I stopped paying him. Paying him is my side of the deal. It's the only thing I have to do apart from turning up. I have no issue with that.