How Do You Know When It's Time To Leave Therapy?

[CrystalsVoyage]

Hi- New here but really have a question. How do you know when it is time to part company with your therapist?

I'm not sure but the last couple of times I have seen mine I've gotten the feeling he wants me to go or to leave him.In fact, he even brought up how long I have been seeing him and that I am "stubborn." ( isn't everyone from time to time?? )

I'm beginning to feel really abandoned. Any thoughts?

Crystal

 

[SimplyComplex]

Could you ask him what he means by that?

I think his thoughts are interesting and are important...but more important is your thoughts. Are you getting what you need out of therapy? Are you still putting in the work? Have you looked into different types of therapy for where you are? What gains are you making? What are some goals?

I guess I am asking, are you making progress?

 

[Ted Moen]

I saw my clinical psychologist weekly, more often whe I was in crisis, from 1995 through 2005, then scaled back to twice a month for a year or two, then monthly for a year or two, then quarterly for a while. Now I have no regular appointments. I just see her when I do a PTSD presentation with her crop of clinical students (she has moved into training as her career has progressed).

There has never been a moment when I said to myself I no longer need therapy. Rather, what I experienced was an increasing confidence in my ability to manage my symptoms and behave appropriately while participating in activities and relationships appropriate to my situation. At some point in the process I began feeling that the time in therapy was interfering with my participation in other appropriate activities and relationships, instead of feeling the other activities and relationships were interfering with my time in therapy. So I began reducing my time in therapy (group went first, then inpatient refreshers, then individual) and increasing participation in other activities and relationships.

Ted

 

[221177]

Maybe it would be useful to explore with him why he brought up how long you have been seeing him, what he meant by this, and how you feel about it? - sounds like it's a very important point for you esp if you feel abandoned, and often addressing these things with our T's can help moving forward - either that, or confirm that they aren't the person we feel comfortable working with. A good T would be happy to talk this through with you and value you voicing your concerns. xx

 

[Heather]

I am "stubborn." ( isn't everyone from time to time?? )

Absolutely, my therapist comments all the time about how "stubborn" I am! It goes with the territory of PTSD and being traumatised.

I definitely think you need to ask your therapist about this. I've talked to mine and he knows how hard it is for me. It has helped our relationship a lot.

Take care. Hugs. Heather.

 

[SimplyComplex]

I don't think I am stubborn at all in therapy. What do ya'll mean by stubborn? Is it really a hallmark of PTSD?