I’m dedicating today to a shorter question. The length should not underscore it’s importance though because it is one of the most common questions in therapy. How are you supposed to know when you are done? It isn’t like going to the doctor where you just take the pills you were prescribed till you run out. However, the answer is deceptively simple. Therapy is done when you and your therapist agree it is done.
Okay, there is a little more to it than that. When you started therapy you likely came in because there is a problem in your life that you wanted fixed, or someone else pestered you into going to get fixed. Many times, that problem is broad, such as “I don’t want to be so depressed” or “I want to get along with my wife better”. You and your therapist likely identified concrete behavioral changes that will be signals for when you have met that goal, like “spending more time with friends doing enjoyable activities” or “giving and receiving gifts with my partner that better match our love languages”. Once you have begun to change your behavior consistently in a way that matches your desired goal you should notice that you will feel better. Make sure you are transparent with your therapist about that because when you both agree that you have met that goal then you are probably ready to take things from there yourself.
Don’t be disappointed in yourself if getting there takes longer than expected, nor should you necessarily think something is wrong if you get things back on track in just a few weeks. Everyone’s journey takes a different amount of time because each person is different. Walk the path that feels right for you.
-Travis
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