I told my ex-T that I loved her and I agree that it seemed more from the child part of me. But, I felt it and I have a hard time telling others so it was a good thing for me to risk. She just said thank you in response but later I told her I didn't expect her to say it because I can tell and she nodded. Because I didn't expect her to say it, it didn't hurt for her not to.

I'm sure my current/new T. will say it at some point. There are so many things to consider - one's personality, the issues of the client, beliefs about what is love, etc. Current T. is a very warm and caring person so it would be comfortable for her to say it. I think she feels there needs to be more love in this world and not less or fear around expressing it. I don't think ex-T. was ever going to be able or willing to be that vulnerable with me. She cared but I think she also protected herself.

We are all different and our T.'s are all different. It just needs to be what works for you and your T.