Pathological dependency

My T used an interesting phrase this week. Actually, two. At one point she said, "You know, (re: M) it's really pathological dependency".

I mentioned that multiple esoteric sources have told me that M is badly "stuck" and that this relationship in this form really is keeping her stuck.

T observed that it seems that either the relationship has to change / end OR M will essentially remain an invalid -- emotionally speaking, of course.

I told her I might use that phrase, but I was kidding. Saying to an invalid, who doesn't recognized their high degree of invalidity, is asking for terrible trouble.