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Old Jul 18, 2008, 09:29 AM
fellowtraveler fellowtraveler is offline
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Member Since: Jul 2008
Posts: 61
</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
okiedokie said:
Hi Fellow,
I know you only asked for successful stories, but I can't think of anything just now. After 5 years with the same therapist, she dumped me a month ago. She said it was not about me, it was about her. Isn't that what one says when they want to break off a relationship? I thought there was supposed to be some process to therapy termination. Not for me. I really miss having her as a life consultant. But, I'm not going to put myself out there again like that only to be crushed again in the end.

So, maybe that's the successful part of my story. I miss her.
Best,
Okie

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Okie,

I'm sorry to hear that. Of course, you are right about there being a process of termination. I've heard that the best therapists start addressing termination at the beginning of therapy and continue to address it from time to time throughout. Ideally, if termination has to happen before the client is ready to move on, then there is a period of time to talk about it and get ready for the change (the longer the better in most situations). Perhaps you could write her a letter expressing your disappointment. It sounds like the two of you have some unfinished termination issues that she might be willing to address. Therapy is seen by many as a chance to experience "healthy endings" and "good goodbyes." I hope that you are able to get healthy closure from this important relationship! Trusting and being hurt and trusting again are important life skills (but never easy!)....

Hope some of this is encouraging.
- FT