I go back and forth on this a lot. I usually try to reconcile it by focusing on why I'm in therapy and signs that it's working in my real life, rather than trying to gauge how real or not real my therapist's reactions are.

When it comes down to it, I'm paying for something that's been practiced, so as long as she doesn't cause harm, I'm good. At the same time, I like to think a person can't fake being present and listening (I mean, they can try, but if it's fake, it shows). The one I see now is a good listener and seems/feels genuine.

So, when I start to think of the artifice of therapy, I focus on the results which are so far really good.