Do therapists sometimes feel that their patients no longer need their services and that is why they stop attending therapy sessions after a certain period of time?

I would argue there are at least two classes of therapists …

1. those who understand “[resistance](https://www.quora.com/search?q=homeostasis%2520preservation&author=84795924 “www.quora.com”)” (aka homeostasis preservation)
2. those who’s focus is more shallow and limited to surface practicalities

If you are shallow, you are likely to conclude that the problem is solved, the patient is no longer suffering, and you’ve done your job.

And sometimes this is true … often it is absolutely not the case … other possibilities are:

1. It may mean that you did a moderately good job, but missed key “pacing” cues, and now the client is unconsciously frightened by the (high) rate of change, and has bailed to preserve homeostasis.
2. It may mean you did a poor job and the client is feeling hopeless … they bailed because they don’t feel any reason to stay with it.

If you deeply understand resistance, you will most frequently conclude that #3 is the likely cause.

The unconscious is designed to escape destabilization, and that is most frequently the cause of quitting.

Dewey Gaedcke’s answer to What are the benefits of seeking therapy?

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Original answer on Quora found here