It's possible, but for most clients probably not advisable. It very much depends on the people involved, what issues brought someone to therapy, whether or not any transference has been thoroughly resolved, and what intentions are driving the desire to become friends. There's nothing unethical about friendship; I personally think any sort of romantic relationship is a very bad idea, regardless of the amount of time passed.

I've known my T for about 17 years post 11 years of therapy. We didn't have contact for a couple of years after therapy, not for any specific reason, but rather I just had no reason to contact him. I decided to write to him at that point, when he was retired, to tell him of my father's death. He was open to staying in touch, so we have. There have been a few years when we've lapsed.

It was not something we ever talked about while I was in therapy, nor did I ever think about it. There was no plan for it.

I think if a T is willing, a client has to be sure it's what they want. The therapy relationship is over. You can't have any illusions about that. Any fantasy about needs being met is a clear indication to walk away. I think you have to have a mutual respect and affection. And be willing to accept that it will be a boundaried relationship, but the boundaries will shift. The kind of intimacy that the alliance provoked is past. It's necessary to move forward while accepting the shared history of the attachment.

That said, it's been a rewarding experience for me, and I appreciate having him in my life.