How to Say Good-bye to Your Therapist

     Are you ready to say good-bye to therapy? How do you know?  When is it time for therapy to end?
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        As a therapist, I always want to help my client achieve their goals. When I was in therapy, before I became a therapist, I always felt awkward trying to say good bye to my therapist.  Sometimes, it just felt easier to ghost my therapist.  Believe it or not, that is not the best way to go.

     Staying in therapy is not about how much time you have been there.  Some people stay in therapy for years, while others find therapy is only needed for a few months.  There is no correct time to be in therapy.

    Let’s start with what brought you to therapy to begin with?  Look at the goals you created for yourself.  Who were you when you began therapy?  Are you living in the preferred version of your life?  How have you changed?

    Talk with your therapist. It is ok to check in regularly about your goals and intentions for therapy.  If there is something that is in the preferred version of your life that you are not living, tell your therapist!  In fact, set a regular time frame to check in with your therapist on your goals.  Goals change as does the preferred version of your life.  Perhaps set a plan to audit your work together every 3 months. 

    When you are ready, ask your therapist to meet every other week.  On your week off, experience what it is like to not have therapy.  Then, do a once a month check-in or consultation.  

    Leaving your therapist on a good note helps you practice saying good bye and also leaves the door open to return to that therapist if you need consultation in the future.

    Remember, therapy is your time to get what you need.  You decide when it begins and when it ends.

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