Just wondering if anyone has expressed their love to their T. Has anyone told their T that they love him/her? Did you actually say, "I love you." How did your T respond?

I have been seeing my T for about 3 years. I think that I love her. I'm very attached to her and we've talked about it several times throughout therapy. Though I've never told her how much I'm attached, I kind of think she knows. She's been a T for a long time and she's quite competent.

She recently gave me a card after I reached a pretty big milestone in my life. She signed the card, "Love, T." I've been thinking how much I am attached to her, how I am so grateful for her help, and how I love her. I know I only know her for one hour a week and I only know so much about her (she discloses sometimes so she is definitely not a blank slate kind of T - I do think I see some of her "real" personality).

Anyway, I've had this growing sense of love inside of me and I really want to express it to her. I think (hope?) she would be receptive to it, especially because she already used the word in her card (although I know that's not the same as "I love you").

I'm wondering for those who have expressed their love...how did you do it? How did you know when the time was right? I so badly want to say it to her. I've kept so many people out of my life and she's helping me be able to be vulnerable and have deeper connections. I want to say it but I've tried the last 2 weeks and just couldn't get it out. I was more shut down, I think because I got so nervous to be so vulnerable. I dunno. I know I don't have to tell her, but I'd really like to be able to, at some point when it's right. I'd love to hear about other people's experiences. Thanks!