I told my therapist that I loved her today (not romantic, just that I love her and having her in my life, all true statements,) along with a bunch of other stuff. I know she can't reciprocate, and a small part of me appreciates her boundary. But it sure did hurt a lot not to hear anything in return except that about how she agreed that attachment can be so hard. I'm new here so just starting to reach out to everyone, but decided I need some support from people who might understand this issue as I'm having some crazy, impulsive thoughts right now.

I realize no one here knows me or my therapist's history together. I realize this pain is a part of my past that I need to grieve but it's hard not to feel like completely quitting therapy right now. I feel so sad and vulnerable. Worst of all, I knew this would happen. I just don't know how I can keep going to therapy after this, or why, or how this gets any better.

It feels like a trick...they listen intently, have people confess their love and tell them how awesome they are all day long, and none of it has to be reciprocated? I realize this is not the case, of course, and my therapist's actions speak louder than any words she may never say to me. But it feels so wrong and strangely manipulative to me right now. I would love to hear from people who have come out of the other side of this!