I do have a lot of parental transference with my T at times, but I don't really see him as an "authority figure". He makes it clear that *I* am in charge, really, really clear.

I've realized over the years how much power I have in the relationship. I get to decide whether or not to show up, I get to decide what we talk about it, I get to decide if he hug, I get to decide where to sit, and, actually, where *T* sits, if I want to. T can't force me to be there, to hug him, to sit where he says. I even get to decide little things, like how bright the lights are. I decide if he calls me or e-mails me. I probably have more power in the T relationship than in any other relationship, in some ways.

When I first started therapy, I felt like T had so much POWER, and I told him that, and he said we would work so I felt empowered in the relationship, because I am.

I do love him though, and I *do* have some kind of parental transference towards him, and that does give him a certain amount of power (although that doesn't feel like the right word). I am so open and vulnerable with him, that his words can be SO healing, or hurt my feelings SO badly (if he makes a mistake). No matter how much power I have in that room, and in our relationship, that is still really true.

So for me, I guess the answer is both - yes AND no.