But you are in a relationship and it is real. My therapy is as much a part of my life as my job, my marriage, my hobbies, my friends....

I consciously integrate it in.

It is not a reciprocal relationship- is that what you mean? You get to focus on your concerns and don't need to focus on the therapist's concerns, except mostly for their financial concerns, and also knowing that they get satisfaction from working with you?

Or are you concerned knowing that the relationship won't become more full time?

Maybe try thinking of it as more like a relationship someone might have with a priest or a distant aunt or a physical rehab specialist or something? It's real, it's just not the same as our most time-consuming relationships like romantic ones.