I think it probably could end naturally with little to no pain, but let's face it - therapy is a risk. There's the risk that the T moves away (like mine did) or that they terminate unexpectedly (like my ex-T did years ago)...or maybe you have to move away. Who knows? That's what makes it risky. And I think its when the transference is involved that it gets super painful.

I have a new T now and I can take or leave her. There is absolutely no transference whatsoever (THANK GOD!). But with my last T I was in it deep....man, it hurt going to therapy and it really hurt when he told me he was moving. He told me he would be there for the long haul but 2+ years wasn't long enough. And there's no way to know how long it will take for you to come to a natural ending...so you have to hope life doesn't get in the way or worst case scenario - your T ends up being one of those unethical Ts we've all at least heard about here (it does happen).

So I think the question is: is it worth the risk? I believe everyone has to make that decision for themselves. I have mixed feelings.