I felt the exact same way. I told my T. I felt like a kid sitting on her couch not able to express my emotions. And, when I would stand next to her saying good bye, I really felt so much smaller than her. We figured out I was about 7 years old. That's when I first latched on to teachers and saught other motherly figures. That's also a time where I have few memories of my mom.

My brother who is much older just emailed me last night and told me of his memories of my childhood. He's also a psychologist. He confirmed everything I've felt - I was emotionally abandoned and not physically held or touched much. AND, it's all from age 3-7 years old - exactly the age I felt.

So, think back to when you were 5 (you mentioned that age) and see what memories you have or don't have. ANd, tell her all the feelings/emotions that come up. I had a list of what i wanted to hear from my T. and it all fits perfectly with my brother's memory.