I think it would totally freak me out if my T actually said she cares. I know by the way she conducts our sessions that she cares, but I don't think I would like her telling me it directly. During one session (like 6 months into therapy) I was squirming and mumbling and commented that I felt stupid talking about personal stuff to a total stranger. She stopped me, lean forward, made direct eye contact and said "____ ,we are no longer total strangers." I felt like %#@&#!.