Contents
Introduction
You might have started therapy with hope, curiosity, or even desperation. Maybe you wanted relief from anxiety, clarity in your relationships, or just a space to talk things through. But somewhere along the way—weeks or months in—you find yourself wanting to stop. You miss sessions, cancel last minute, or sit in the waiting room wondering what the point is.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Wanting to quit therapy early is incredibly common, especially when things start getting real. The work of therapy isn’t always easy—and the impulse to avoid discomfort can sneak in quietly, often disguised as something more “rational.”
So, what’s actually going on?
1. Therapy Is a Relationship – and That Can Be Messy
Therapy is unlike any other relationship. It’s structured, safe, and one-sided in a way that’s designed to help you explore your internal world. But that doesn’t mean it feels easy.
As trust builds, your therapist might start to feel like someone who matters—and that can be terrifying. You may start to notice feelings like anger, disappointment, or even longing directed toward them. Old relational patterns may resurface. You might feel ashamed for caring, or frustrated that the therapist isn’t “getting it.”
When the therapeutic relationship feels emotionally charged, the instinct can be to pull away. The thought “If I leave now, I won’t have to deal with this discomfort,” might cross your mind. But often, those tricky moments are actually the most fertile ground for growth—if you can stay with them.
2. Avoidance Disguised as Logic
Therapy often stirs up pain before it brings relief. As you begin to dig deeper, you might feel worse before you feel better. Old memories might surface. Coping mechanisms may be challenged. You might feel raw, exposed, or even ashamed.
And when that happens, avoidance can kick in. You might find yourself thinking:
- “I think I’ve done enough.”
- “I should be able to handle this on my own.”
- “Maybe therapy just isn’t working for me.”
These thoughts can sound reasonable. But sometimes they’re just polished versions of “I don’t want to feel this anymore.” Therapy shines a light on things we’ve worked hard to keep buried. It’s no wonder part of you might want to run.
3. Perfectionism in Therapy
Here’s a sneaky one: perfectionism about therapy itself.
You might catch yourself thinking things like:
- “I should be making more progress.”
- “I’m not doing therapy the right way.”
- “My therapist probably thinks I’m difficult.”
When we’re used to performing or achieving, the slow, complex process of therapy can feel deeply uncomfortable. You can’t “win” at therapy. You can’t get an A+. And that can be infuriating.
If you have perfectionist tendencies, you might unconsciously turn therapy into another area where you expect yourself to excel. And when you inevitably hit a wall (because therapy is about being human, not perfect), you might think, “I’m failing at this. I should just stop.”
So… Why Stay?
If you’ve read this far, some part of you is probably still invested—even if another part wants to bolt.
Here’s the thing: the moment you want to leave might be the moment to stay.
Not because therapy is about pushing through pain for the sake of it, but because those moments—when things feel messy, vulnerable, or uncomfortable—are often where the most meaningful work happens.
Talk to your therapist about what’s coming up. Even if it’s just, “I’ve been thinking about quitting.” That conversation might be one of the most important ones you have.
Therapy doesn’t always feel good. But it can be real, healing, and transformational—especially when you stay long enough to move through the parts that make you want to run.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of stopping therapy early, be curious about the impulse. Is it coming from clarity—or from discomfort you’re trying to avoid? Sometimes stopping is the right choice. But sometimes, staying is the bravest—and most healing—thing you can do.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help
At London Bridge Therapy, our clinicians are experienced in working with people who arrive at therapy with mixed feelings, complex histories, or a deep sense of uncertainty. We understand that therapy can feel exposing and emotionally intense—and we’re skilled at helping you stay with the process at a pace that feels manageable and safe.
Whether you’re just starting out or feeling unsure about continuing, we’re here to support you in making sense of what’s coming up—and to walk alongside you, wherever you are in your journey.
Book an appointment today or learn more about our team here.
