I think it is utterly important to define the word love within your relationship. But, yes, I do love my clients. I am in this field because I am a compassionate and loving person. When someone walks into my office, presents themselves in a vulnerable and intimate way, how could I not love them? The love I am talking about is not sexual, or unhealthy. It is a bonding of 2 people. Of having compassion for another human being, an admiration for their strength, and a genuine wanting for them to heal. This is a different type of love than I have for my partner, or for my friends, or for my children. As the therapy relationship is unique, the love is also.

I think the term "love" can mean so many things, and sometimes those things are hurtful, and blurry, and break boundaries. This is not love, and not to what I am referring.

But I do think therapists can love their clients in a way that helps them grow wings and fly on their own. This doesn't mean, however, that I tell all my clients that I do love (for their strength, their willingness to be real, etc, etc) that "I love you". But I think sending people loving (i.e. Love, T) feelings, may be appropriate if YOU feel it is.

As always, something to talk about.