I think it’s possible. Transference plays a part in all human relationships, not just therapy. Just because the therapy relationship is more boundaried, doesn’t in my opinion mean that it can’t be “caring” and “genuine”. I think that when you become vulnerable with someone, you build trust and respect and care.

My T discloses a fair bit about himself, so I do feel like I know him and am very grateful he’s not a blank slate. Sure, there are power dynamics between us, but then again there are power dynamics in other human relationships too, like between parents and children.

I know for a fact that T cares about me because he implied it and he also showed me that he trusts me as a person. I wouldn’t really think of our relationship as “artificial”, though I do sometimes get insecure and second guess everything.