I knew all three of my therapists pretty well. They were very open about themselves, so their family wasn't a mystery to me. I knew how they spent their spare time, what their hobbies were, etc. We always took a bit of time to just chat and shoot the breeze about non-therapy-related things, so they kept be abreast of their kids and grandkids shenanigans, their weekend trips, or the movies they were seeing or books they were reading.

They also shared their own struggles, stories, frustrations, etc. from time to time. They were very honest about their own personal flaws, shortcomings as spouses or parents, etc. I wasn't one to idolize them or put them on pedestals. I'd say they were pretty real with me. I've kept up with all of them post-therapy - one for over 30 years, another for 20 years, and we've transitioned from therapist/client to friends.

I disagree with the idea that the therapist is "always" a stranger to the client. That has not been my experience at all. Are some therapists strangers to their clients? I'm sure they are. But "always"? Nah.