Think about this in another way: without boundaries in the therapeutic relationship, it would be hard for HIPAA to exist. If therapists can become friends with you, your friends and relatives, your private information would be hard to protect.

Here is another thing: Imagine that these boundaries don't exist. And now that you are friends with your therapist, you must meet their needs too. After all, a friendship is a two way street unlike a therapeutic one. Then, you finally get to know this person sitting in front of you. You may even find that you can't stand the therapist. Then what? Kinda hard to do therapy like that. The therapist loses objectivity, and the client loses trust in the therapist.

Sorry OP for derailing your thread.