When it comes to therapy I think there are two ways of defining abandonment. There is the emotional feelings of abandonment that may be in no way the therapists intention. This happens when the therapists feels that in order to foster growth and independence changes need to be made. For many of us it triggers old feelings of being abandoned, not good enough, not worthy, Etc. However part of a therapist's responsibility is to sometimes change our course so as not to be stuck forever in a pattern.

The other is when the business relationship comes to an end. No matter how much time and preparation we have, it can again trigger those deep rooted abandonment issues. Unless there are extreme circumstances a therapist needs to give notice and time to briefly work through the why's and have closure. When the don't in my opinion there really is abandonment.

Sometimes T's have the best of intentions that don't pan out. T always told me she would give me plenty of notice when She planned to retire. I trusted that completely. Unfortunately, she was not able to.