The Impact of a Sudden Termination of Therapy Without Explanation

Early in my therapy journey, I experienced what it's like when a therapist ends therapy abruptly without providing any explanation. My primary therapist, who operated from a cozy office in her home, informed me that she was relocating due to health reasons, which would prevent her from scheduling another appointment for an undetermined period. This news came as a stark surprise as we had known one another for some time and had grown quite close over our sessions. When weeks passed with no call or message from her, I took it upon myself to actively seek her new contact information.

Despite my efforts, there were no signs of her responding to my inquiries. Over the next few months, I found myself anxiously waiting, only to receive an answer via phone weeks later. This phone call was met with a series of unexpected revelations. It turned out that my therapist was undergoing cancer treatment and had been admitted to the hospital. She had then stayed with family members while undergoing recovery. Our communication was sporadic, mostly through letters before emails became the norm. Ultimately, I received the news that she had passed away from cancer, leaving behind a void in my life that was both emotional and therapeutic.

The Experience and Its Aftermath

Such a sudden and unexplained ending to therapy is a deeply emotional experience. I was left in a state of confusion and sadness, finding myself adjusting to life without a therapeutic support system that I had come to rely on. Finding a new therapist was a daunting task, and the process of grieving over the loss of the relationship felt like another layer of emotional pain. Moreover, there was a sense of confusion regarding why I should not feel as close to her as I did. It was difficult to find comfort in the understanding of friends and family, as none of them knew her. The lack of a funeral was a poignant reminder of the unexpected and abrupt nature of her departure.

The Often Overlooked Licensing Board Offense of Abandonment

Therapists who end therapy without fair notice or justification face legal repercussions. This act is known as abandonment, a serious offense that can result in disciplinary action by the licensing boards. It is not uncommon for such actions to occur, especially in cases where the therapist ceases to fulfill their professional duties, such as those involving legal threats, administrative issues, or a change in career.

However, it's important to note that abandoning a client may not always be intended in a malicious manner. There are situations where termination of therapy is necessary, such as when a therapist faces a legal issue or relocates to another state, like New South Wales. In these instances, if the therapist acts professionally and offers to connect the client with a new professional, it can mitigate the impact of the termination. Yet, if the therapist fails to provide any notification, or if alternative care is not offered, the consequences can be severe.

Conclusion

The unexpected termination of therapy can be a deeply troubling experience. It often leaves the client unprepared and emotionally unbalanced. In such instances, therapists and mental health professionals have a responsibility to ensure that clients are informed of any changes and that all reasonable steps are taken to maintain continuity of care. While such situations are rare and may not be avoidable, the ethical and professional guidelines laid out by licensing boards offer a framework to minimize the negative impact on clients.