i know (for me) staying in therapy has been most beneficial...i've been in therapy for 10+ years. i don't go as often as i did when i started cause there are not so many pressing issues for me anymore but often i use my therapist as a sounding board, a "reality check", etc. i believe that therapy has been a good working tool for me. sounds like you may feel the same way.
the only difference i see is that i am blessed with good friends in my life that i help and they help me too. i don't know if there's a dependancy on therapy, but if that's what i have, i'll stay with that plan. it has enabled me to become a far healthier individual than trying to wing it on my own. some of my "old tapes" can still show up when i least expect them...even if i thought i'd gotten rid of a few "tapes" already.
personally if a person has an effective therapist and it's a good match too for the client, i'd recommend it for everybody, norms too. it speeds up the growth process.
i hope i answered your question, jme, for what you are asking.