My T also used to say that the word "love" was reserved for her family and close friends. I said it in a roundabout way to her a few times, and directly in an email. I was totally shocked when she replied back "sending love" to you. This was after about 4 years of therapy with her! We discussed "therapy love" and now we both sign our emails "love." I would feel awkward saying the words directly in a session, though, and I don't think she would say them to me. Yet, I know we agree that we feel lovefor each other. It's not one-sided.