Fear of therapy ending?

[Snowflake]

Do you feel afraid of therapy ending?

 

[UnicornSightings]

Of course. That’s a super normal fear.

 

[EveHarrington]

Is your therapy ending?

 

[Deleted member 541]

It would depend on the circumstances. If it’s ending because the T feels that you’ve done all the work that you can, then yes, I’d be a little sad, but also very proud of the work that I’ve done and that I can do this on my own.... if it’s becaue T is quitting, then that would suck....

 

[KwanYingirl]

I think this is a good question. I think the answer is very complicated. When I am in a depression, I tend to want to quit therapy. It’s not working, I’m not getting better, etc. but when the brain fog lifts and I am more alert and engaged with others, I dread therapy ending. I do feel dependent on therapy because it’s my main support system. My family of origin are all dismissive of me. We are the typical abusive alcoholic victims who are all huddled in their own ways of coping. My family is not supportive and can be quite dangerous.

Also, I don’t have faith in my problem solving skills. I tend to react impulsively to feeling threatened and I count on my therapist to help me make wise decisions. Then there’s the whole sexual abuse implosion. I need constant reminders that I am making progress in my healing no matter how glacial the process has been.

I have had three different therapists and I like them all. I moved to another state and had to find a new one. She was great at a time that I was seriously suicidal. She took a position in administration and had to give up her practice. My current therapist is younger than me so hopefully he’ll outlive me and I won’t have to find another one.

Then there is the low self esteem that makes me wonder if he’d rather not have me as a client. Or that I’m too needy. But he is so skilled at treating ptsd none of these difficulties faze him. He is a real steady Eddie. I would be devastated if he told me he was releasing me.

 

[Snowflake]

I think this is a good question. I think the answer is very complicated. When I am in a depression,...

I can’t think about ending therapy -I’d rather die

 

[Friday]

You do know if you die, your therapy ends too, right?

 

[Snowflake]

Yes but I won’t have the fear anymore. Or worry.

...if you die, your therapy ends too, right?

Sorry replied above

 

[Friday]

Yes but I won’t have the fear anymore.

Or you’re stuck with it, forever.

Ending therapy IRL, you can always start back up again, should you choose. Immediately, in a year, in 10 years, whatever. If you’re dead? That’s it. Therapy is ended, for all time. There’s no changing your mind and getting back in therapy. You have to be alive to go, ya know? One of those irrational solutions that feels right, but doesn’t actually parse.

What scares you about ending therapy?

 

[Snowflake]

Or you’re stuck with it, forever.

Ending therapy IRL, you can always start back up again, should you...

-I’m attached to my therapist (not a bad way)-I feel safe.
-Being alone

 

[EveHarrington]

I’m guessing you have me on ignore.

Is this a “here and now” problem because therapy is actually ending or is this a catastrophization OMG therapy is ending *one day* in the future so I’m going to freak out about it now even though it’s not a present issue?

Depending on your current mindset, the answers that will actually help you will be vastly different.

 

[Snowflake]

I’m guessing you have me on ignore.

Is this a “here and now” problem because therapy is a...

Me ignore you? Never

No therapy isn’t ending now. I just have severe neediness and attachment issues that it scares me to think about it ending.