I have been with my T for two and a half years, twice a week. Like you, he pisses me off frequently. He has very firm boundaries as far as everything we do must promote my progress. He rarwly self discloses anything but will answer most occasional questions I may ask.

I would say I have made a lot of progress with him but I am in no way attached, nor will I ever be. I know he will never be my "friend" and I am fine with that. He is more like an annoying teacher. I actually look forward to holidays and his vacations so I can take a little break because therapy with him is hard and painful work. So no I do not think attachment is needed to make progress in therapy.