I've wondered this too in relation to my T. She is increasingly referring to her relationship with her SO (wife? Partner?) during our sessions. It could be to desensitize the topic (as Musingly said) or to demonstrate secure relationship (as Peri5d said) but the frequency is puzzling and starting to annoy.

Then again it's my own fault for not calling her out on it...whereas Musingly has expressed discomfort about the cherished daughter references and yet they keep coming. Why? Sessions should be about client. Not invoking the more-important daughter who is not/should not be in the equation.

And 20 years in the profession can produce good judgement or burnout. Maybe this T needs better supervision or therapy herself.