I've had over 20 of what I like to call "mother-figures" in my life. It was my way of getting the nurturing I was missing due to my parents neglect. They ranged from Ts, teachers, counselors, older women in general. Some would be extremely nurturing, some would be the "tough love" type.

I am attached to my current T and Pdoc. But I don't see them as "mother-figures". Actually, I don't think the attachment has anything to do with transference. I just look up to them, trust them, feel safe with them, and enjoy conversing with them.

I think it's different this time because in my last "mother-figure relationship, I received a ton of nurturing. But I finally realized that it wasn't filling the hole in my heart. It felt good, but I still was in pain from my past. Now I see my T and Pdoc for all that they are. They are role-models, cheerleaders, professionals, support, encouragement...but not mothers.