Therapy: Goodbye Doc

For most people, therapy doesn't last forever. But how do you know when to call it quits? We asked the experts in Psychology Today's Therapy Directory for their advice.

That Inner Voice

Deah Curry's own therapist once told her, "I'd know I was done when I could introject her voice—when I could ask myself the questions she asked."

Before And After

David deVidal suggests having the therapist read back relevant notes verbatim from the first session "as a way of remembering a baseline position." Then you can measure your progress.

How's The Weather?

"Look for an increase in small talk, or a feeling that the sessions are beginning to be repetitive and you're leaving them empty-handed," says Ken Newelt. "It may be time to take a break."

Still Got Issues?

"It isn't the same as cancer, where you want to remove all malignancy at once," Elyn Robinson says. "Sometimes, it is good to take a break to integrate the work you have done so far, before attacking new issues."

It's Your Call

Don't stay just because your therapist says you should. Anne Koenig asserts that you are the expert on your own work.