Anyone is it possible for the torque converter to fail without completely destroying the transmission?

Initially when I start the car up it shifts fine (no shudder or flares) but once I hit a couple lights and it runs through the gears generally 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd I believe the torque converter heats up and then I start to have my issues which lead to the car being barely drivable and had to be towed to the dealer. I did not try to drive the car again once it cooled down because I didn't want to risk more damage. Thoughts?