How do people go about ending the relationship with their therapist?

Who decides when therapy is over, the client,  the therapist, both?

When is it time to end therapy?

For what reasons do people end therapy?

There are different kinds of therapy being practiced, and I have decided to address the above questions as related to client centered therapy, where the client takes the lead in deciding the goals of therapy.  In client centered therapy, the client takes the lead in deciding when it is time to end therapy, initiating a discussion with the therapist where the two share thoughts and input.

 There are many reasons for ending therapy, and some of them are listed below:

1) The client has accomplished the goal or goals set for therapy;

2) The clients symptoms have been alleviated and she feels that she has the inner resources and support to go on without therapy;

3) The client wants to take a break from therapy, but wishes to come back at a later time;

4)The client feels that this particular therapist does not meet his needs, or

the client does not feel a connection with this therapist.

5) Financial reasons: many therapists have a policy of offering a lower fee when a client falls on difficult financial times.

The process of ending therapy is an opportunity for growth.  It is a time to review your accomplishments and your disappointments.  It is a time to end a relationship consciously, having said what you wish to say before the relationship ends.

Ideally, you should give your therapist a one month notice, so that you will have

four sessions to talk about ending and what the relationship has meant to you.

The last session you may choose to do an ending ritual or some other activity that

helps to symbolize ending as well as new beginnings.

Can my therapist become my friend after therapy is over?

Friendship with a client falls on shaky ethical grounds.    It is unethical to have “dual relationships” with clients,

and illegal for a therapist to have a romantic relationship with client until two years have passed after the therapy ends.   Our legal advisors also tell us to adhere to the two years rule for business or friendship relationships as well.

 Above all else, most therapists are concerned that a personal friendship with a client

 can be harmful to a client because the person you know in the  therapist role is far different from the human being behind the role, who has a family, emotional needs,  and ups and downs just like you.