I can't tell you how one knows one is ready because I am nowhere near but I did ask my T on Tuesday if there is a time limit on this because it was making me anxious. She said that there was not, that it can end when I am ready essentially. She said that even if she thinks I may be ready, I might not feel that way, and it would be OK to continue. She said she has been seeing someone for three years which gave me a little more confidence in this area. Hope that helps in some way?