I'm honestly curious how they know the difference between "maternal transference" and just wanting a hug from someone who you care about. It seems a little hurtful and punitive.

I think of my pastor as a "mother figure" and she hugs me every week and every time we meet up to talk. It makes me feel loved and safe... No drama because it's not therapy. Sometimes I think therapy removes itself too far from normal human interaction and pathologizes it in a way that's unhealthy.