No, my T doesn't inform me of what she's doing. My previous T didn't, either. Personally, I would find it strange if my T told me she was trying to build rapport with me, and might even distance myself out of confusion. That's not to say that I've never noticed her doing things that I suspect are aimed at building rapport, she just doesn't announce it. However, I can see how the added dialogue would be helpful to some people, especially those who have had negative experiences in therapy or for whatever reason, are suspicious of their therapist. Sometimes I wish I knew why my T says or doesn't say certain things, but I chalk it up to her theoretical orientation.