I know for me, one issue with MC was when the transference was more erotic. If I saw him as this ideal partner, then where did that leave my H? Or, even with the paternal stuff, if I picture him as this amazing, perfect dad...then I'm wishing for something that doesn't exist because he's not a perfect father (and he's discussed ways that he isn't). If I'm wishing I could somehow be in his life (obviously couldn't be his daughter...or partner, but like as a friend) and I'm thinking he's perfect...then realizing who he is in session isn't who he is in real life can help diffuse that desire a bit. He's said before he's an a-hole in real life, and I wouldn't want to hang out with him, but then later, when I said I doubted that, he said it was a bit of hyperbole. But he meant more that in therapy, the T is just focused on the client's needs. The client shouldn't in theory worry about the T's needs. But a real life friendship or romantic relationship isn't like that (parent-child is a little different, I guess).

And I'm sure the idealization is totally fine for many people, just describing a situation where maybe it's not so great...or at least where it can make transference/attachment more intense. And maybe make someone want to rely/connect to their T more than someone in "real life."