I'm very free with compliments in general. Well, not heartfelt ones--I don't stare anybody (let alone my therapist) in the eye and make them believe whatever nice thing I'm saying about them. But if someone has a good idea, said something interesting, has a nice scarf, etc., it's automatic for me to point it out. I think positive reinforcement is, in general, a useful tool that people respond positively to, and I use it a lot as a teacher--many of my students have struggled academically, have low confidence, and it is absolutely shocking the difference that a positive or reassuring comment can make.

Why this would translate to my T is an interesting question, though. Maybe it's just habit, maybe he's oozing some sort of insecure vibe just below conscious awareness.

ETA: My T is also pretty free with positive reinforcement--again, not heartfelt (eww)--so that probably has something to do with it. Sessions occasionally devolve into a parody of polite conversation (thank you--no, thank you) and must be put back on course.