I understand the intensity of the feelings and how entrapped one could feel when experiencing them. But I don't agree that "anyone" put into a therapy relationship responds in such an intense and painful way. Assuming a competent and ethical therapist--and I realize some will not pass that test, but that's a different conversation--therapy doesn't create what isn't already there. Some who will experience such feelings enter therapy aware of them, but I suspect most are only aware that life isn't working, and they want to get it fixed. It's pretty standard that presenting problems, at least within first therapy experiences, are symptoms rather than causes.

I don't find that the problem lies within the process, but rather within self-blame for experiencing the feelings. I don't think it's appropriate to judge feelings within therapy by social rules, nor will responding (or not) as would be appropriate in society address them. In the hands of a competent therapist, the process makes sense to me, but it can be demanding.

I didn't go into therapy looking for a father, though I was aware of an emotional hole in my life. Labeling it came later. My T never encouraged regression, but accepted what I presented (some regression is common when dealing with childhood pain) and handled it carefully. I grew through the process, the original pain healed, and what I was left with was a lasting parental fondness for my T.