My T mostly does relational therapy, so the therapeutic relationship is pretty important for me/us. Examining the dynamic between us, the assumptions I make about how she sees me, and the feelings and desires that come to the surface with her have allowed me to understand myself and my history more deeply than anything else ever has. It can be stressful and intense and sometimes I want to back away, but it has really helped me open up to other people in my life and recognize my relational patterns more quickly/clearly and with more self-compassion. I have had fewer depressive symptoms since I started working more intensely with her too. So yes, I think this can be a legitimate approach to therapy, in the right hands. But whether it's the right approach for you is something only you can decide.