My T is also very honest. She always tells me things respectfully, compassionately, and with grace. Never in a million years would she call me a name, like a hypocrite or even insinuate that I was one. She doesn't get defensive with me, or challenging, either because she is comfortable with disagreement and wanting to understand my perspective on some of my thoughts and behaviors.

I agree when your T say therapy is tough. It's tough as hell sometimes. And maybe your T is right in "guaranteeing" that all therapists will challenge a client eventually. What he doesn't seem to get is that challenging a client can be done without creating conflict or adding fuel to an already flaming hot fire.