I think that generally therapists (like others in caring professions) do care about us, if they didn't they could not do their jobs properly. They clearly empathise and want what is best for us. However, of course their feelings for us are not the same and certainly not as strong as many of our feelings for them.

I am not surprised that I feel the way I do about my T. He is literally helping me form a new life, free from the chains of anxiety that have bound me and damaged my life for many years; how can he not be significant to me? In addition he is the only person that I feel truly comfortable revealing my innermost feelings, fears and emotions to. And then there are the small things; like his gentle manner, his humour, etc that I would like and value in any person. Together this creates affection, just as it would in another setting, but more intense because of the particular nature of the therapeutic relationship. Naturally I will miss this terribly when it is over.

I don't think anyone need rush to tell their therapist about their emotions for them, it's taken me weeks and weeks. But perhaps eventually, as it did with me, the time will feel right. He has said we will talk about it again so that we can find ways for me to manage my feelings.