Terminating Therapy

Greetings,

As some of you are probably wondering why I am cryptically babbling about Jedi’s and the Millennium Falcon, the truth of the matter is this was about change, it was about terminating therapy. One would think that this might be a happy ending, an ending of completion and success. Some might compare it to graduating, this was not the case in my story. We just came to a fork in the road apparently. Time for a change. “The best therapy doesn't deny its finite nature. All therapy comes to an end, and unfortunately most clients and therapists don't talk about termination until it's staring them in the face. This denial sets them up for an awkward, abrupt or destructive end to their work.” (Howes, 2008). For some odd reason I was expecting to be “healed” when I walked out of that door for the last time. “Ideally, along with "what are your goals for therapy?" the therapist asks "under what conditions will we end, and what will that ending look like?" This way, client and therapist together decide why and how therapy will end. If you had that discussion in the first session, you won't have a problem terminating therapy.” (Howes, 2008). I thought we were pretty clear as to what MY goals were, being better. Getting back to me. Getting back to the healthy and stable woman I once was. However because the traditional means of therapy did not exactly work for me, nor do the medications, this process is long and arduous. Under what conditions will we end, and what will that ending look like? This was not my vision. However when asked “what if this is it?” “what if you do not get better?” if this is the reality I am supposed to swallow I guess terminating therapy is for the best. Time for a change. Time to move on. I am not exactly sure WHAT that means yet. I was not that needed therapy weekly person(once I did). I never wanted to be one of those “Bob Newhart” patients, some people NEED weekly, daily, in patient, what have you, I am not judging anyone. Obviously if one is trying to maintain sobriety for example a meeting a day. If someone is dealing with something horrible, like rape I can see needing a more constant ear…I have anxiety. I am afraid to leave the house. At some point the concept of weekly therapy became mundane, I didn’t need it. I was and am taking my steps and following my program so to speak. I do know with all of my being a therapist who does not share my vision  of healing and wellness is not acceptable. I refuse that as an option.

Beast in the bed.

Beast in my head.

Not all men can handle all of this!

Love and Light!

Agoraphobia Gurl~some times all you can do is laugh!

I want to thank those of you who found his behavior to be ridiculous and that can see the progress I have made and continue to make…Dawn, Jo, Megan, Julie, and Annie. For believing in me and supporting me in these chaotic last few days.

 

Reference

Howes, R. (2008) Terminating Therapy. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/200810/terminating-therapy-part-iv-how-terminate