It definitely helped me open up to T by discussing other people in my outside life...not at all to gossip or sidetrack, but to feel T out about my own problem that was similar. I couldn't just come out and admit dependency on my T, but got used to discussing the subject by testing T about other people. Like, how would she treat someone else if they got dependent in therapy. T even knows I'm doing it, but it was still easier. So, your T is very wise to listen to your outside relations, as that helps her know you better and how to give you more considerate therapy.