Therapy Termination

Using consensual qualitative research (CQR), the researchers interviewed 12 clients about their experiences with therapy, most specifically their experiences with the termination of the therapy. The focus of the study was geared toward how clients experience therapy termination, how termination unfolds or is initiated, and how termination affects the therapeutic process and relationship. In cases with positive termination experiences, there was a generally positive effect of therapy on the client, the termination process and post-termination plans were premeditated, and clients felt more comfortable with their relationships and more confident in coping with problems. In cases with negative termination experiences, clients noted more negative elements of therapy (did not feel understood), the termination process was abrupt (often unplanned) and unilateral, and clients were upset with with their therapy experience and hesitant about seeking more therapy. This study truly shows how therapy termination can lead to long-lasting effects and opinions (both positive and negative) about therapy.


Citation: Knox, S., Adrians, N., Everson, E., Hess, S., Hill, C. E., & Crook-Lyon, R. (2011). Clients' perspectives on therapy termination. Psychotherapy Research, 21, 154-167.