It is paid for.
I never found therapists to do anything remotely requiring skill. I have no idea what those people think they get paid to do in any real sense and I believe they give themselves too much credit when in reality they do nothing. I never found them caring and didn't find having someone pretend to listen was helpful. I can't imagine telling anyone what a therapist I hired said - and I never guessed at what they might say in any situation. I don't know why one would do that (I am not saying it is wrong - just that I don't get why or how it would even come up).
I do think they are paid rent for you to go in and talk and they sit there and pretend to pay attention. If you find it useful then great - I never did. But paying them was the thing that kept me safe - I had no personal investment in them like I would a friend. I do think some of those people are paid to appear caring. I know their standard line but to me that is like if they said "I am from the govt and I am here to help" - believe it if it helps you but I don't think it is true.