I don't think you HAVE to run. I do actually know a fair number of people with intense transference who are successfully working with and through it. The key is that the therapist is skilled and maintains solid, healthy boundaries.

If you haven't read the blog "BoundaryNinjaTales," I highly suggest you do so.
Here's one of my favorite posts of hers:

https://boundaryninjatales.com/2011/...-really-arent/