I expressed my views on the "relationship is therapy" idea in this article
Therapy Consumer Guide - What Is “Therapeutic Relationship” and Does It Exist?

It's hard for me to discuss it because this "relationship is therapy" concept was the main reason I was severely traumatized by my first therapy experience, and it makes my blood boil every time I hear anyone say that therapy is supposed to revolve around the "relationship". I would run away from any therapist who has such idea as fast as I can.