If a patient decides to discontinue therapy or stop seeing a therapist, they have the right to do so at any time. Therapy is a voluntary process, and individuals have the autonomy to choose whether they wish to continue or end their treatment.
The therapist cannot force a patient to continue therapy against their will. It is their responsibility to respect the patient's decision and support their right to terminate the therapeutic relationship if that is what the patient desires.
However, it is considered good practice for the therapist to have a conversation with the patient about their decision to stop therapy. This allows the therapist to:
Discuss the decision: The therapist might inquire about the reasons behind the patient's choice to stop therapy. Understanding the patient's perspective can provide valuable feedback and help the therapist improve their services in the future.
Address any concerns: The therapist may use this opportunity to address any concerns or unresolved issues the patient might have regarding the treatment or their progress.
Offer support and resources: Even if the patient decides to discontinue therapy, the therapist can provide information about other resources or support options that might be beneficial to the patient.
Closure: A proper closure conversation can be essential to the therapeutic process. It allows both the therapist and the patient to reflect on the progress made during therapy and to end the therapeutic relationship on a positive note.
Therapists have professional and ethical responsibilities to their clients, including respecting their autonomy and confidentiality. While the therapist might encourage the patient to continue therapy if they believe it would be beneficial, they cannot force the patient to comply.
In some cases, the patient might decide to return to therapy at a later date or seek help from a different therapist. The therapist should always be open to welcoming the patient back or assisting them in finding appropriate support if needed.