I need some help in understanding something. I wonder what the word 'love' means in the relationship with the therapist. I know, for me, IRL love means connection and ability to connect and usually anytime that's convenient for each person.

I love my friends and even though I may not talk to them or see them much, I know that when I want connection with them, they are open to it and me for them.

So, if a therapist says she loves the client, what does that mean? Can it be confusing for our minds when we define the meaning of love differently than what a therapist might mean? If we think love automatically creates a two-way street of connection, might the love from a therapist be doomed to feeling incomplete?

I believe I 'love' my therapist and she has said the same towards me. But, I know little about her and I'm not able to be there for her as she is for me. I want my connection to be more than just me receiving and her giving. I want to give too. I want to support her too. But, that's not possible because she's my therapist not my friend.

So, what does it mean when we use the word 'love' in regards to our therapists and are we setting ourselves up with expectations that are impossible to be filled?