I think the word transference confuses a lot of people. On the one hand you have Freud's very narrow definition, which almost no one uses anymore because no one does traditional blank slate laying on the couch psycho analysis.

In lay terms all the feelings you have for everyone are "only" transference. So, maybe that will help put it in perspective. Your feelings, whether for your mother or therapist or just some guy at work are based in large part on transference, and they are all real feelings.