Following the success of workshops on ‘beginnings’, Henry Abramovitch and Jan Wiener are offering another workshop to explore the neglected topic of endings in psychotherapy and analysis. There is probably agreement that difficult endings occur when an analysis ends abruptly because the patient leaves prematurely, or the analyst becomes ill or at worst, dies during the analysis. However, it is more difficult to know the right time for an analysis to end, and to understand in depth how therapists and their patients collaborate in the process of ending.
Questions addressed during the workshop will include:
Who makes the decision for therapy to end – patient or therapist? And how is the decision made?
What images, dreams, symbols appear during therapy that seem to indicate an ending is approaching?
How long an ending process do therapists consider is necessary? Does this involve a gradual ‘weaning’ and/or a pre-planned date?
The workshop is open to psychotherapists and analysis in clinical practice. It will begin with a dialogue between Henry and Jan followed by general discussion. After a short break, participants will be encouraged to bring their experiences of both good and challenging endings in psychotherapy and analysis, and of the ending process in general.
