Knowing when to stop counselling

[Strategies25]

I’m interested to know what people think about stopping counselling?

I’ve been doing it for 3 years now. It was massively helpful at the beginning, but now I’m not so sure and find it a bit of a drag and a downer.

it is still with the same counsellor and it took me about 8 months to start the appointments once I’d made the decision to start. So I don’t want to cut off a lifeline and then regret it.

I guess I now feel I turn up and have a moan about things- but it’s not really moving me forward.

interested to know how other people have known when it’s time to stop, or do you keep going for ever?

I've had various types of therapy...CBT and EMDR. Particularly with the EMDR after 5 sessions I just knew I was ready to go it alone.
Therapy should get you to a point where you've got the skills and insight to deal with what you need to.

I actually just had a think about this coming session and I thought it would be good to use it a bit more proactively to get specific help on issues.

I normally just see what crops up which leaves me moaning about my week which is a real downer to be honest.

I was having sessions with a Clinical Psychologist fortnightly for about 18 months, with some slightly longer breaks in between some sessions.

Initially I found them so helpful.

But eventually I told her that I didn't really think there was any point in having any more sessions. Because I had got to the stage, following her giving me an unofficial diagnosis of Autism, that I was never going to change.

I know what I am. I know the theory of what needs to happen to change myself. But im biologically programmed to be as I am. And the emotional neglect I suffered as a child has also altered my brain so I don't think its possible to change.

The Psychologist was a lovely woman and I felt quite bereft ending the sessions but I felt I had to be honest with her. I felt I was wasting her time.Actually she sent me such a lovely letter after I'd finished the sessions saying how good it had been working with me and assuring me none of it had been a waste of her time. So nice of her to do that.

I think if you are self aware then yes there does come to a point where counselling sessions outlive their usefulness.

I would speak to your counsellor about it. They should be able to help you explore whether it’s the right time to stop.