Termination in Psychotherapy: Contributions of an Integrative Metamodel

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the process of terminating psychotherapy based on an integrative perspective—the paradigmatic complementarity metamodel (PCM). One of the research fronts in PCM is the temporal sequence of phases structuring strategic objectives. The temporal sequencing of the therapeutic work in terms of phases, stages, or steps is believed to be a general principle of change among different theoretical orientations, both of an integrative and nonintegrative nature (Vasco, 2006; Vasco et al., 2018). According to the PCM, the therapeutic process unfolds as the client and therapist progress along 7 phases regarding the implementation of strategic objectives. In this article, we address termination and its implications at different phases of therapy considering the PCM. Some vignettes are used as illustrations.