Thinking of Stoppers, I get your position on using a therapist while not getting too close. I started out that way, but in my case, I was dissociated between my adult self and "inner child". That was a good thing for me because the more separate inner child keep bugging me with its different needs and feelings. It felt distinct and I couldn't send it away. The child wanted more from the T relationship, but was avoidant due to major mistreatment in childhood.
I'm just saying how this worked for me, and not trying to persuade anyone. Therapy has its own pace and is step by step through years, sometimes.
But I do remember having a disdain for any "soft" feelings for any T, and I went through about six before I found this one I can trust.