I think t's can be quite manipulative (in a good way). Their job is to help you and so they do or say things with that in mind. I had a t who handed me a glass star she had in her office and told me how she came to own it and what it meant to her. At the time, I thought she was just being nice bc I had mentioned how pretty that star was. I found out a bit later (bc she told me) that she had done this in order to help me feel more connected to her bc she thought I was lacking in the trust and connection I needed to do the work of therapy. So now, I do question most interactions and don't always take them at face value. If a t is doing something out of the ordinary, I never think it's 'just to be nice'. I always think they have their reason. And, tbh, it makes sense bc it is their job.