It's very clear from the posts in this forum that we start therapy for a specific reason. Depression, anxiety, phobias, relationship problems and so on.

I began therapy to get help with addictions. Alcohol, food, prescription medications. Always seeking something to make me feel good, or, at least better.

After 5+ years of psychoanalysis, I terminated my therapy. I still am an alcoholic. I'm on a maintenance medication for my narcotic addiction, my food issues are greatly improved. Fortunately, I am highly functioning in my career and my husband is very supportive. I just happen to be a very screwed up individual.

But, and this is the crux of my post. My therapy, ultimately, transformed into being ALL about my relationship with my therapist. I had extremely intense maternal erotic transference for my therapist. For years-I can not believe how long- my 3-4/week sessions were about my feelings towards my therapist.

WTF???? Thousands of dollars, buckets of tears, it consumed me.

What I got out of therapy was:
1.) very clear insight into WHY I am an addict
2.) I learned that I had value as a human being
3.) better ability to understand why others act as they do
4.) developed patience with the inherent weaknesses of myself and others

Was it worth it? Would I engage in therapy again?

I'm not sure.

Do you get what you want out of your therapy? If yes, why? If no, why?

I'm thinking about starting therapy again. Obviously, with another therapist. I'm a little (a lot) nervous about it.

But I want to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.