(Note: Here were focusing on ceasing talk therapy and counseling, and not on psychiatric treatment.
How to Tell If Its Time to Move On
Think about whatever problem brought you to therapy.
Especially if youve felt stable for a while.
Another reason to end therapy, of course, is when youre not happy with your specific therapist.
Sometimes even we as therapists have a hard time admitting that were not the right fit for someone.
In that case, its often up to the patients instincts.
But note: sometimes feeling bad after therapy, is just part of the process.
Thats an example of how not to end therapy, she says.
A healthy way to do it is to have a conversation.
take a stab at be as direct and open about your concerns, says Dr. Glasofer.
Therapylike most other interpersonal relationshipsneeds closure.
If youve seen someone fewer than three times, emailing and ending is probably fine.
If its been more, you may want to ask them how they like to handle ending therapy.
Its like a mourning processtheres denial, negotiation, acceptance…everything.
We want enough time to find out what gifts weve given each other.
It takes time, and it needs time, she says.
Ultimately, its your therapy.
Its your place to end it, says Dr. Glasofer.
Plus, she says: Its not going to be successful therapy if you dont want to be there.
Sometimes theres a new life stressor that presents itself.
More on mental health and online therapy from G/O Medias partner.
