I had never felt attachment to a T, until the one I saw last year. Something was different, and it may well have been the "imago" concept at work (unconscious idealized mental image of a parent). Something deep down seemed to click, making me feel a link between T and my mother. Maybe.

Seems this is a good thing, if it is handled correctly and carefully. Establishing this "secure base" even as an adult, might allow one to re-process old trauma. Some use the word "dependence" which is more pejorative.

With my old T I was ok with the idea of being attached, as long as it was means to an end, which is greater emotional stability and independence. But because she gave up on me, I less stable.