nsplsh_c93d57b7fd0145baa72cb12caacac869~mv2

It’s not you, it’s me: How to break up with your therapist

Ending therapy can be a difficult decision. You may feel guilty about breaking up with your therapist, wondering if you’re doing the right thing. It’s important to remember that there are a variety of reasons why ending therapy may be the right choice for you. This blog post will explore how to break up with your therapist in an effective and respectful way. We’ll discuss the signs that it’s time to end therapy, how to approach the conversation, and what to expect during the transition.

Should You Break Up With Your Therapist?

Deciding whether or not to break up with your therapist can be a difficult decision. Many people are hesitant to break up with their therapist because they don’t want to hurt their feelings, feel like they’re giving up too soon, or worry about how it will affect their mental health.

It’s important to remember that therapy is meant to be a healing process and sometimes the relationship with a therapist just isn’t working out. It’s okay to consider breaking up with your therapist if you find yourself feeling unsupported, frustrated, or misunderstood. It’s also okay if you just don’t feel like the therapy process is helping or providing the results you desire.

If you’re considering breaking up with your therapist, it can be helpful to ask yourself some questions. Do I feel heard in sessions? Does my therapist understand my issues? Is my therapist providing enough support and guidance? Am I making progress towards my goals? Is this the right kind of therapy for me?

If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, it may be time to consider finding a new therapist. Breaking up with your therapist doesn’t mean you’ve failed or given up—it simply means you’re ready to take a different approach in your journey towards healing.

What Do You Say When You Break Up With Your Therapist?

Breaking up with your therapist can be difficult. There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to end the therapeutic relationship and you may feel a mix of emotions. It is important to remember that the decision is yours to make and that you have a right to end your relationship with your therapist if it no longer feels right for you.

When breaking up with your therapist, it’s important to think through what you want to say and how to express it. When you tell your therapist that you’re leaving, try to be direct and honest, while still being respectful of your therapist and their practice. Some people might find it helpful to write out what they want to say in advance, so they don’t forget anything.

If you’re struggling to know what to say, here are some examples of ways you could approach the conversation:

• “I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on from therapy. I’ve gotten a lot out of our work together, and I’m thankful for all the help you’ve given me. I just feel like I need to move on now.”

• “I appreciate the support you’ve provided me over the last few months, but I think it’s time for me to take a break from therapy. I need a little more space right now, but I think the work we’ve done has been valuable.”

• “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I think it’s time for me to end therapy. I’ve grown a lot during our time together, and I am grateful for that. I just think it’s time for me to focus on other things right now.”

No matter how you choose to break up with your therapist, it is important to give yourself space and time to process your feelings after the conversation.

Telling Your Therapist You’re Leaving: What To Do Next?

Once you have talked with your therapist, there are several things you can do next. Consider talking to a trusted friend or family member about how you are feeling. You may also want to explore other therapists or treatment options. You may want to attend group therapy sessions, or look into alternative mental health treatments such as meditation, yoga, art therapy, or journaling.

Finally, take the time to reflect on your experience with your therapist. What did you learn? What do you take away from the experience? How do you feel now? Reflecting on your experiences can help you move forward in a positive way and provide insight into what kind of therapist may be best for you going forward.

Quitting Therapy Is Hard!

When breaking up with your therapist, it can be helpful to express gratitude for the work they have done. Remember that they’re still human too and that this is an emotional experience for them as well. It’s okay to tell them how much they mean to you and how much you’ve appreciated the support they’ve given you throughout the process.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that therapy is ultimately about you and what works best for you. You don’t have to stay in a therapeutic relationship if it’s no longer serving you or helping you make progress. It’s okay to take time to think about what you need and want from therapy, and take steps towards finding a better fit.

Find a Therapist In Denver

If you are looking for a therapist in Denver, you have come to the right place. Denver is home to a vibrant and diverse community of mental health professionals who offer specialized services to their clients. From general counselors and psychiatrists to psychologists and social workers, Denver has something for everyone.

When looking for a therapist, it’s important to consider the type of therapy they offer. Are they a cognitive-behavioral therapist or do they use other therapeutic approaches such as psychodynamic or solution-focused? Different approaches to therapy can be beneficial in different situations, so make sure to find the right fit for you. Additionally, be sure to find out about their experience and qualifications to ensure that you are getting quality care.

It is also essential to make sure that the therapist is experienced in dealing with your particular issue or condition. Look for providers who specialize in your area of concern, whether it’s depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorder, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern.

Once you have narrowed down your list of possible providers, make sure to read reviews from past clients and research their credentials to make sure that they are qualified to provide therapy services. Additionally, many mental health professionals have websites that provide detailed information about their training, background, and specialties.

Finally, before committing to a provider, make sure that the therapist’s office is accessible and comfortable for you. If you are unable to attend sessions due to distance or cost, inquire about virtual sessions or payment plans.

Finding the right therapist is an important step towards improving your mental health and well-being. Take your time to research your options and ask questions until you find the best fit for you.

Recommended for you:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Share this post:

Counseling

Select what you’re looking for:

Specialized Therapies

Select what you’re looking for:

Pauly Munn, MA, LPC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician; EMDR-Trained (PhD Candidate)

Pauly is a Colorado native who received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University, and is a current doctoral candidate for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. Pauly is an empathetic counselor who believes in a compassionate, yet direct approach to therapy. Pauly believes his clients are the experts of their experience. Through a collaborative lens, clients who work with Pauly are able to gain meaningful insight into their experience which in-turn provides the essential resources for navigating change and/or healing emotional wounds. Pauly utilizes an integrated trauma-informed lens blended with evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, EFT, and more. Pauly specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, with several years of experience working directly with a broad range of presenting challenges including relationship challenges, PTSD & complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more. More importantly, Pauly believes in building a safe space in which each and every one of his clients feels seen & heard. Pauly identifies as a Latino-American, and is passionate about conducting therapy utilizing a social justice & diversity-informed lens. Pauly has a strong background working with multicultural identities, and believes in the importance of recognizing our unique differences. Pauly loves staying active through basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, dancing, strength training, and more. Additionally, Pauly spends time actively engaging in ongoing research projects in trauma, social justice, and neuropsychology.

Pauly's Specialties

Brianna Herrera, MA, LPCC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician

Brianna believes in a holistic approach to counseling, integrating mind, body, and spirit in her work with clients. She strives to help clients weave the various aspects of their lives together through a collaborative approach, meeting her clients where they’re at and partnering with them to create lasting change and a greater sense of wholeness in their lives. Brianna seeks to create a grounding and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with freedom and authenticity. She embraces a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to best meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, such as trauma-informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches. In her work with couples, Brianna focuses on helping partners improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate challenges such as conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and life transitions. She believes that life-giving, functioning relationships are foundational to a person’s sense of well-being. Brianna is certified in facilitating both SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich couples counseling sessions. In her free time, she can often be found adventuring outside with her husband and pup, hosting a game night, or enjoying time with community.

Brianna's Specialties

Sydney Focht, MA, LPC

Clinical Director & Counselor

I specialize in working with women in their 20s to 50s who struggle with self-worth, self-esteem, and the guilt that often comes with prioritizing themselves. Finding self-trust and the ability to feel worthy of happiness are common topics in my work. My clients tend to put off therapy because they downplay their struggles, describing their pain as ‘not that big of a deal.’ Many of them grew up in households where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged and they are still looking for security now. My goal is to create a space where you feel completely free to be yourself—no pressure, no expectations. Therapy with me isn’t about either of us being ‘perfect’—it’s more about you feeling safe, seen, and supported as you figure things out in a way that works for you. I prioritize meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the issue, getting to the root and out of surface level conversation quickly. Going through my own therapy has given me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be in the client’s seat, and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others find the support that truly works for them. My clients describe me as focused, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth. I truly love what I do and that comes through in my work! I’m a person-centered therapist, but I often integrate elements of Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and IFS.

Sydney's Specialties

Cassandra Keller, MA, LPCC

Neurofeedback Clinician & Counselor (EMDR-Trained)

I support adults and teens (15+) who are ready to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in life, career, or identity transitions. Using a compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative approach, I help clients reconnect with themselves and move toward balance and resilience. I’m EMDR-trained and draw from person-centered, gestalt, DBT, and somatic practices. Whether we’re working with the nervous system, processing painful memories, or exploring patterns with curiosity, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, present, and empowered to grow. I especially enjoy working with athletes, creative people, students, and outdoor adventurers who value resilience, beauty, and balance. Alongside therapy and grounding practices, I also offer neurofeedback as another powerful pathway for nervous system regulation and healing. Outside the office, you’ll often find me climbing, fly fishing, running trails, foraging, or relaxing in the grass under the aspens. My love for movement, play, and nature continually inspires how I show up with clients.

Cassandra's Specialties