Using the planned ending of therapy to work with separation, loss, autonomy, dependency, and the central conflict.
Step-by-step guide
- Name the number of sessions remaining
- Ask about feelings regarding ending
- Link termination reactions to the central conflict
- Review gains and unfinished themes
- Plan post-therapy use of insight
When to use
- In the final third of STPP
- When separation themes are central
- When the client avoids or devalues the ending
Key phrases
We have N sessions left. What do you feel about ending?
Follow-up questions
Is this feeling familiar?
How do you usually leave relationships?
Alternative phrasings
The ending is part of the therapy, not an administrative detail.
How can you carry this work after we stop meeting?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not leave termination to the last minutes
- ⚠️ Do not collude with avoidance of goodbye
- ⚠️ Do not overextend therapy without a clinical reason
Source: Mann, J. Strupp, H. STPP termination literature
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.