You said therapists "treat you in roughly the same manner as anyone else in your life treats you." For me that is not even close to being true. Citing various extreme scams and traps is not really a robust argument. Also, therapy is considered socially acceptable (even necessary), and is heavily marketed and cloaked in pseudo-medical language. Has a very privileged position. Totally unique in this regard. That it does turn out in some ways to be like a cult or a pyramid scheme makes it what it is. Many people that would not get screwed by cults and pyramid schemes or even abusive partners might fall into subtly abusive or exploitive therapy relationships, and get treated in a uniquely unhealthy way... while being pressured to see it as "treatment" and medically necessary, etc. Dig me?

ps: Sorry this getting off topic.