Does transference have stages?

I have attached to my therapist with a parental/child level of transference. At first it was very confusing and I was very angry about it and the neediness that was coming from it. As we progressed, I've come to realize how much I actually trust her. I have gotten to a place where I often miss her but I am not as needy as I was. At times, I feel a deep level of love for her. This love is still the type one would have towards a parent. I have felt that I am going through development stages with her - that I am emotionally aging.

Does transference change? I am starting to have fear that the transference will become erotic. I don't want that. I feel it would complicate things for me significantly. What little I have found about stages or changes in transference, is that eventually they all go through a stage of erotic transference.

Has anyone experienced either it changing or completing psychotherapy without it changing? If you experienced it changing, how was it for you, how did you deal with it?

Thank you

I don't know if transference has stages [wouldn't be surprised], but just keep an eye on where the emotional attachment to your therapist could take you. I know this isn't what you're saying but I had a bit of a crush on a therapist once and pretty soon I was only going to the appointments so I could see her again - like a date, haha. But the whole thing was just pointless and I felt like I wasn't being honest with myself or with the therapist, and that never sits well with me. Counterproductive therapy-wise, imo. But still, maybe you yourself aren't heading down that path. All the best. Good luck.

Thanks for the info and yes, that would be a sign that it will need to be talked about with her. Journal therapy is a major part of my therapy (my initiation) and I give her about 90% of what I write. So even if I can't talk to her in person about this at first, I could share with her it was happening.

So, far that has not been a problem. Most the time I do look forward to seeing her, it is rare that I don't end up talking about stuff that is relevant to sorting me out, either from the past or just day to day stresses. I have made major strides - I was in a very depressed place when I started seeing her and it took about 6 months to get me on stablish ground (and returning to medication). For about the last 3 months, I have been doing much better at rolling with things and not needing to lean directly on her as much for stability. I think these are some of the reasons I don't want it to turn erotic. Part of me is telling myself, that if it happens, it will just be part of the process and that she and I will deal with it. The other part of me is say, yeah but nothing could ever be done about it, so don't set yourself up for that world of pain and turmoil. Not to mention that I am in a good relationship that has lasted 18 yrs - I don't think that would end the relationship, we are a good match. I do think it might make things a bit weird for awhile.

I've never been in this situation but wanted to send you my support. (((Hugs)))