You know this topic of friendship has not been talked about in such b/w terms in my therapy.
If I've expressed desires for something like "friendship" (which I don't think I have) T normally explains why it wouldn't work in a gentle, considerate way.
I think I once laughed that a house was for sale close to her and I said I could buy that and see you walking up and the road.
T smiled and said, Thst would be painful for you.
Shes never put it that she doesn't want to be friends, but has always phrased it in way that. Shows me what it is in therapy y I need and how the way we do it gives Me the best outcome.
As the years have gone on, the relationship between us has got "friendlier"? She has let me know that therapy whrn it ends wont end completely. Ie, I there will always be contact.
That's because of the work we've done. The issues I brought.
Some only need a body there to help them think things through and ending isn't an issue.
I came with so many unmet needs that T has had to use all of herself to help me, into the work.
I guess it depends on what our therapy work consists of.