I think some parts of life concern the ability to have desires and learn that the desire is not the same as a need. That does not mean that one denigrates or denies the desire, but rather that one looks at and accepts the feelings around it without going to the extent of acting out on them.
I personally would react very badly to a therapist telling me they loved me. It would be awful for me. I don't do all that well when the woman says she likes me. That is way too close for me.