I did not vote in the poll because my experience was different, but I thought worth sharing. I tend to form attachments and emotional reliance pretty easily to mentors. Always have. Teachers, a track coach, an older female friend. My doctor mentors. Idolized, put a pedestal. I don't really know why; my mother was warm and bonded; really an amazing connected mom. Maybe it was because my dad was an alcoholic or maybe it was because I had always as a kid just connected with adults more easily than other kids.

At any rate, though I liked my psychiatrist/therapist a great deal and felt we had a pretty good therapeutic relationship, I never developed major transference or dependence on the relationship. And I think that was directly because of therapy. Learning skills to help me find my own self-reliance versus looking for validation from others. Perhaps her personality too? I don't know as she's been the only one I've had therapy for any length of time from. She was always supportive and kind, but looking back there was maybe a touch of coolness in her approach. That isn't a bad thing. In fact, again, it may have been what prevented transference from developing. Not entirely certain. But in the past year we spaced out therapy sessions as I did not need them as frequently and did just fine without her. She has unfortunately left that practice so our relationship ended and I feel that therapy was helpful and served it's purpose for me.