The Significance of Termination Sessions in Therapy
Jessica Chang, MHC-LP
“Termination” is the word used to connotate the end of a therapeutic relationship and the process of ending a counseling experience. It can feel like a particularly harsh word, often associated with abruptness and finality, and at times, death. Although there is a chance that termination sessions within the realm of counseling can be harsh and final, termination is a very important part of the therapeutic process and can be quite healing.
Reasons for Termination
Whether you are leaving therapy entirely, going to work with a different therapist, or pausing sessions for the time being, taking time to acknowledge this transition with your current therapist can provide opportunities that are often not an option outside of therapeutic relationships and the therapy space.
There are many reasons that termination may come up in your therapy journey, including internal and external factors that are planned or unplanned. Depending on the contributing factors, termination sessions may look different, but the overall theme of keeping your best interests in mind as the client should remain throughout the termination process.
Some reasons for termination may include:
Client-initiated
The client-therapist working relationship does not feel like a good fit
Not being pleased with the progress made in treatment or therapist’s therapeutic approach
Wanting to live life without therapy
Moving outside the geographical scope of therapist’s license
Changes to insurance or financial situation impacts the affordability of therapy
Not being willing or able to commit to therapy at this time
Therapist-initiated
Therapist believes continued treatment would be harmful to client in any capacity
Therapist is no longer competent to continue working with client (due to client’s treatment needs changing or personal matters that may inhibit their ability to provide therapeutic services e.g., illness, burnout, etc.)
Licensure status changes or planned retirement approaches
Therapist’s life events inhibit their ability to practice as client’s therapist (e.g., maternity leave, moving abroad, etc.)
Mutually-initiated
Client’s therapy goals are achieved
Limited number of sessions as initially agreed upon have been fulfilled
Benefits of Termination Sessions
The idea of terminating therapy or a therapeutic relationship can bring up a wide range and mixture of positive and negative emotions pertaining to the work you have done, the therapeutic relationship formed, and the transition from one part of your mental health journey to another. During termination sessions, there is an opportunity to address and process these feelings with your therapist, including feelings you may have regarding your therapist. No matter how you feel towards your therapist or how long you have been working together, there is insight to be gained in recognizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how you are relating to them. If done ethically and competently, termination sessions ultimately allow you a) an opportunity to reflect on previous therapy sessions and acknowledge your progress and what you have learned, b) to create a sense of closure in your relationship with your therapist and say goodbye, which is not always an option in relationships outside of therapy, and c) to recognize your future plans and how you can apply what you have learned in therapy moving forward.
Termination sessions are not always easy, but they can help to consolidate and integrate counseling gains to be used in the next chapter of life and to model healthy boundaries and endings to relationships. Termination sessions, when implemented effectively, provide an opportunity for continued personal growth. However, it is up to you as the client to show up for termination sessions and to be honest in talking through your feelings regarding terminating in order to take advantage of this opportunity.
Abrupt Termination in Therapy
Sometimes, therapy termination is unpredictable and abrupt. If you are unable to complete the termination process due to your therapist or your own life circumstances, or if you choose to leave the therapeutic relationship without going through the termination process, it can be harmful to you and your mental health journey. It is important to acknowledge that in any termination circumstance, it is incredibly valid if you experience feelings of anger, grief, sadness, betrayal, abandonment, confusion, disgust, regret, relief, excitement, etc. upon terminating therapy and the therapeutic relationship. These feelings may come up immediately, with time, or not at all. If you notice these feelings coming up, it may be helpful to talk about it with your next therapist as you continue your therapy journey. A therapist with your best interest in mind will be open to discussing the impact of your previous therapists. They can help you process your feelings regarding termination and possibly help to illuminate how your relationship with your previous therapist may be impacting you and current therapy sessions. If you are not continuing treatment with a new therapist, it may still be helpful to think about your relationship with the therapist you have terminated with and how it impacts you or relates to relationships outside of therapy. You can also dedicate time to honoring the termination of your therapy sessions on your own by reflecting on what you have learned in your therapy journey thus far.
Conclusion
Termination can be a scary word and a scary process. In therapy, termination sessions have a lot of potential benefits, but they are not always planned, and they do not always go according to plan. If you are approaching termination within the realm of the therapy process, perhaps you can regard these sessions and your therapeutic relationship as a container to practice, experience, and get to know how you approach endings, transitions, and new beginnings.
Sources:
Barnett, J. E., & Coffman, C. (2015, June). Termination and abandonment: A proactive approach to ethical practice. [Web article]. Retrieved from: www.societyforpsychotherapy.org/termination-and-abandonment-a-proactive-approach-to-ethical-practice
Kress, V. and Marie, M. (2019). Counseling Termination and New Beginnings. American Counseling Association.
Marschall, A. (2024). What to Know About Therapy Termination. Verywell Mind.