Yes, Petra, but I think that's how transference develops. Like we see something of our parents or past relationships in T, in their face, their manner, tone of voice, their power over us in some situations, etc.

I've seen my mother in most my therapists. Sometimes it's really the things they do that's so similar but sometimes it's just the situation. As a kid I confided in her. So here are some strangers who ask me to confide in them. As a kid I was vulnerable to her and she knew my tendencies. Again, here is a therapist who reminds me, Oh you're repeating an old pattern here!

Unfortunately, when you come in contact with some of those stronger triggers, sometimes a therapist may not be aware of it. It might take them a while and through their own countertransference work, before they can figure out what's going on. That's happened to me quite a few times.

Of course, unless I misunderstood the question, and you meant something more threatening, like an abusive or incompetent therapist or maybe a person who as a whole is just one giant trigger....