My T loves me, and he tells me (after MANY years of working together), and it's been super healing for me. I never believed anyone could/would love me, EVER, and believing in his love for me opened me up to the other love that was actually all around me that I couldn't see. For ME, it was a critical part of my healing, but for someone with different issues, I could see where it wouldn't feel the same way.

As for "therapeutic love"...I think I would find it weird if T broke it down like that. I guess because I don't say to my husband "I feel romantic love for you!" or to my kids "I feel a parental love towards you!". There ARE all different types of love, but it doesn't feel necessary to break it down like that.

On the other hand, it sounds like he wanted to tell you he loved you in a way that felt safe for him (and you), and maybe it was better to hear the words in that form than not at all (?)