My marriage counselor recently explained to me that he and my T (and p-doc) care about me, which is why they were considering whether I needed an increased level of treatment. I believe him because I can see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. I certainly don't think he cares about me on the same level as his kids or wife, but there's definitely caring there. The same with my T--though she hasn't come out and said it, I can tell in the way she interacts with me and how occasionally she'll tear up when I'm telling her something. Yes, I pay both of them, but I don't think that's what it's about. If I was only a paycheck to them, I think I'd sense that. I feel like people get into the therapy field because they're especially caring and empathic in general. So they're more likely to genuinely care about their clients. At least that's what I choose to believe...