I've told my T that I love her. However, I said it in this context: "My friend asked how therapy was going, and I was like, therapy's great! I love T! She's made a big difference in my life!" My T had an "awww, that's sweet" smile on her face and started talking a-mile-a-minute about my friend's comments. About half-way through her monologue, she said: "I love...working with you." I thought her pause in the middle was a little awkward. I wasn't sure if she started saying "I love" and then didn't know what to say after or if she was emphasizing the "working with" part. I figure it's one of those pat therapy responses-- like she's not supposed to say "I love you" (god forbid I misunderstand loving kindness as something sexual)-- but she is allowed to say that she loves working with me. Despite her rather measured response, it didn't bother me because I know she loves me (she doesnt have to say it). I can feel it from her in the gentle, caring and loving way she responds to me. I know the way she loves me is different from the way she loves her kids or her friends, but the way I love her is different from the way I love my friends and my family, too. It doesn't matter to me that it's a love that comes with boundaries and is part of a professional relationship: love is love. Therapy is making a difference in my life precisely because I have a loving relationship with my T-- so the experience feels entirely positive. T has also said she finds the way I relate to her and see her as maternal is "endearing," which I think is the perfect way to characterize it.