Yes this is a social skill that some people are better at than others. I have had this connection in T as well as outside. Outside is more of a struggle, but it does happen. I have some very close friends and family members and I'm very lucky. But there are times when I've had trouble sustaining attention and if the other person senses that, a connection isn't made. I think it happens with everyone sometimes, but there are some people that seem to bond easily with lots of people. I have trouble reading these people because I feel a stringer bond with them than they feel with me. I don't think its insincerity on their part, but they are people who are just very good at making others feel heard. I think a lot of therapists fall into this category.