Endings

Abstract

We all know that endings are part of our human existence and, as psychotherapists, we know that our termination of work with clients often raises for them memories of other, incomplete endings. In the same way, leaving the job of psychotherapy raises memories for the psychotherapist of other endings, particularly in the profession. This paper argues that it is important to prepare for the ending of our professional lives, whether this ending be planned or unplanned. Without preparation and support through the process it is impossible to make the good enough endings that we owe both to our clients and to ourselves.