Should You End Therapy or Just Cancel an Appointment?
Deciding to end therapy can be a complex and emotional decision. It is often best to communicate openly with your therapist about your reasons and how you feel. Here, we explore the benefits of direct communication and what to consider when making the choice to end therapy.
Closure and Open Communication
One of the primary reasons for ending therapy on a positive note is closure. When you communicate your decision to your therapist, it provides both of you with a chance to address any unresolved issues and finalize the treatment. This can be particularly beneficial as it allows both parties to reflect on their experiences and helps to maintain a sense of continuity and respect in the therapeutic relationship.
Additionally, open communication can be professionally rewarding for your therapist. They can gain valuable feedback on their practice, which may help them to improve and better serve their clients in the future. On the other hand, if you cancel an appointment without notice, it reflects poorly on your professionalism and respect for the therapeutic process. This can lead to a negative impression and potentially impact future therapeutic relationships.
Future Options and Professionalism
By having an open conversation, you open up possibilities for future engagement with the same therapist or another one. If you decide to return to therapy in the future, you and your therapist will have a foundation of trust and communication established.
On a broader note, open communication also aligns with professional standards. Cancelling an appointment without notice can be seen as unprofessional, especially in a therapeutic setting where trust and respect are paramount. Respecting the therapeutic relationship ensures that both parties can work together cohesively in the future.
Personal Comfort and Ethical Considerations
It is essential to make a decision that is best for you. If a therapist is generally professional but you do not feel a good connection, they may still be willing to understand and respect your decision. However, not all therapists are rational or empathetic. Some may respond poorly to any suggestion of ending the therapy.
For example, one of my friends had an experience with a Freudian therapist who insisted on her lying down and remained silent, leaving her feeling uncomfortable and even threatened. When she tried to terminate the therapy, the therapist berated her, claiming that she was wrong to stop seeing him, as he was in the position to know what she needed. This experience led to emotional distress, and she decided to abruptly end the therapy without further discussion.
Another friend encountered a similar issue with a more theoretical therapist. When she expressed a desire to try a different approach, the therapist belittled her, suggesting that she did not know what she was doing. Although I advised her to leave, her decision to follow the right path with the therapist left her feeling regretful and unsupported.
These experiences highlight the importance of considering the therapist's behavior and reaction when making the decision to end therapy. Prioritizing your emotional well-being and seeking a therapeutic environment that supports you is crucial.
In summary, it is generally best to communicate openly with your therapist about your decision to end therapy. This approach provides closure, offers valuable feedback, and maintains professionalism. Whether you are seeking to seek closure, make the best decision for yourself, or ensure a more respectful and supportive therapeutic environment, open communication is key to a positive and effective transition.