Ending therapy

When is the right time to stop therapy? The answer to this is different for everyone — some people may have reached their goals, while others find that they aren’t making the kind of progress they’d hoped for. Whether you feel ready to “graduate” from therapy or simply want to take a break, this transition can bring up complex emotions. Read on for answers to some questions you might have.

How do you know when it’s time to end therapy?

There are a number of things that can lead people to wonder if it’s time to stop therapy. You may have seen great progress with your mental health issues and personal growth.

On the other hand, you may be starting to feel like your therapist is no longer a fit for you, or like your therapy sessions are’t really helping. If you’re feeling a lack of motivation or dread before your sessions, this is another indicator that something might be off.

If you’re noticing these signs, consider discussing them openly with your therapist to explore your options. Remember, it’s normal to feel unsure or conflicted about ending therapy, so don’t hesitate to explore new therapeutic approaches or seek a referral for a new therapist if needed.

Is it normal to have confusing emotions about ending therapy?

Many people have a close and trusting relationship with their therapist. Therefore, it’s perfectly natural to experience a wide range of feelings when considering the end of this relationship — confusion, grief, gratitude, uncertainty, and even excitement for the future.

It may also be hard to process realizations that therapy is no longer effective, or the relationship is not serving you anymore. Whatever your reasons for ending therapy, your feelings — whether practical or personal — are valid.

What should I consider before ending therapy?

Assuming your therapist is not acting unethically, or making you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, consider discussing your desire to “break up” with them. If there’s a possibility you’re avoiding certain topics — such as grief or trauma — your therapist can help you chart a path forward that may not include ending therapy altogether.

Similarly, if you feel that the therapeutic relationship has degraded, discussing this could be an opportunity to check in and build trust and communication skills. If you’re considering ending therapy for financial or logistical reasons, your therapist may have suggestions or options you hadn’t considered.

How do I tell my therapist I want to leave therapy?

When it’s time to talk with your therapist about terminating, you don’t necessarily have to explain your reasoning. However — unless the situation has made you feel unsafe or uncomfortable — ending therapy is an opportunity to practice honest communication, which can also ensure your therapist understands your decision. You could try saying things like:

• “You’ve helped me gain the tools I need and they have been incredibly valuable to me. I feel like I am ready to continue on my journey without having regular sessions.”
• “I’m grateful for the work we’ve done together and I feel ready to take the next steps in my journey independently.”
• “I’ve learned so much from therapy and I am prepared to apply what I’ve learned.”

While you are not responsible for your therapist’s feelings, letting them know that you plan to end therapy lets you practice your own skills while also assuring the therapist that you’ve thought this through and your safety is not at risk. Additionally, if you need or want to return to therapy in the future, speaking with the therapist upfront about quitting now, may make returning in the future easier.

What should I expect after ending therapy?

Ending therapy can evoke a range of emotions, from apprehension about life without support to pride in personal growth and new skills gained, especially if you’ve been engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s common for feelings like anxiety or sadness to resurface post-therapy, even if you initiated the end of sessions.

Work with your therapist to create a plan for handling future challenges, including follow-up options. It can also be helpful to try to view therapy completion as a progression rather than termination. This shift in perspective can help you focus on the progress you’ve made, and how ready you feel to face life’s challenges with newfound resilience and skills.

Can I see the same therapist again in the future?

Many therapists are open to the idea of working with former clients on a short-term basis if the need arises. Reconnecting with a familiar therapist can be valuable, as they are already familiar with your history and previous progress, which can facilitate a smoother re-entry into therapy if necessary.

You should discuss this possibility with your therapist and mutually determine the best course of action for your mental health and wellness. Keep in mind that therapists may have different policies and availability for seeing former clients, so it’s important to talk about this before you end your sessions so you know what to expect.

Can a therapist terminate therapy?

Yes, therapists do have the ability to terminate therapy under certain circumstances. If, after a certain amount of time, they feel unable to provide appropriate care or if the therapeutic relationship isn’t effective, they may suggest ending therapy or refer you so you can find the right therapist.

Ethical red flags, such as conflicts of interest or if they think therapy is doing more harm than good, could also lead to therapy termination to prevent harm and uphold ethical standards. Maintaining boundaries and ensuring client well-being are important in these decisions to prioritize client well-being and professional integrity.