I think that early on my main T knew that silences seemed hostile to me yet he did it anyways. I'm not sure if it was to "let the feeling come out" so we could discuss it or, he was trying to get me used to the idea that silence can be caring and nurturing.

Sometimes I think T's see discomfort coming but don't stop it because it is all "grist for the mill".

However, I don't believe that a good T would do something very hurtful just to bring up an issue.