I have long thought emotional prostitution is the best description or analogy. This need not have sexual connotations. The word prostitution has a more general meaning. To me the prostituting of emotions and caring is the defining aspect of talk therapy. Hardly seems controversial to say that.

Therapy is sold as transcendent and pure, or alternately as scientific and rigorous, but looking back at mine, it was actually quite trashy and common, and I felt degraded by it.

I'd actually go a bit further. For me in one case it was an emotional violation that brings to mind the "r" word... client reveals secrets, becomes increasingly exposed, therapist remains hidden and observes voyeuristically, therapist greedily gratifies needs, then drop kicks client when it becomes untenable and therapist needs are shut down. Coup de grace is victim blaming and denial of culpability.