Believe it or not, as your therapist, we want you to graduate from therapy. We love seeing you meet your goals and achieve the success you set out for when you reached out to begin therapy. While each therapist and client has unique experiences in getting to the graduating step, we wanted to share our perspective on what happens after you graduate from couples counseling.
What happens when you graduate therapy?
It is now up to you and your partner to explore how you will continue to implement the work you have done together. As your therapist team, we will explore what you need as you graduate and what you want to continue to work on and focus on. Our premise is that the work does not end even though therapy is ending. The work is entering into the maintenance level which still requires action and effort from the couple. Our go-to recommendation for our couples is to implement a Weekly Relationship Check-in to continue the reflection on what is working in your relationship and what needs to be developed week by week. You can get our version of this check-in here.
You get to look back at where you began and where you are now. Looking at the past can help you celebrate and honor the intentional work you have done by investing in your relationship. It is also a reminder that change is possible and that you are capable of growth individually and together as a couple.
Celebrate the work you have done. Therapy is a commitment to yourself and when you reach graduation it is time to celebrate the energy, effort, and intention you dedicated to your relationship. We encourage our couples to find a way to celebrate this growth whether it is dinner out together or even just a high five for one another.
Graduating from therapy does not mean you never need therapy again. Therapy is a setting that you can engage with throughout your lifetime. Different life transitions, seasons, and experiences may require you to re-engage in therapy in the future. There is no shame in this. Our team of therapists have engaged in therapy multiple times throughout their life and they realize they will engage in it in the future. Therapy is a setting to support, guide, and provide health through the lifespan. If you find yourself needing to re-engage in therapy, honor that need and remind yourself that investing in your growth is a kindness towards yourself.
Rachel Elder shares her recent graduation from therapy and what she enjoyed about the ending session.
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