I think the relationship between the patient and T is real and the feelings a patient has are real feelings. I think a T tries to set aside his/her personal feelings and respond in a therapeutic way regardless of what they may personally feel. So in a therapy relationship what you get back from a T is more of an objective/ helpful response. It may or may not reflect what they are truly feeling; but, luckily that response is given in an effort to help us. We just need to accept this as being part of the therapy arrangement. No matter how much they listen to us, no matter how much they smile and hold eye contact or hug us, no matter how compassionate or empathic they are-- They are not going to be our lover, our mother or father, our close intimate lets go out for a beer and hang out friend. That is simply not part of the arrangement (in most cases).