Knowing when to stop problem-solving therapy is important since it helps you wrap up at the right time, without cutting things short or dragging them out unnecessarily.
The endpoint is often built in because PST is a goal-oriented, time-limited therapy, but here’s how to recognize when you’re truly ready to stop (or take a pause):
- You’ve achieved your therapy goals
The clearest sign it’s time to stop is if you’ve:
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- Learned and practiced the problem-solving steps.
- Applied them successfully to real-life challenges.
- Feel more confident in dealing with stress or decisions.
- Notice improved mood, motivation, and functioning.
PST isn’t about solving every problem. It’s about building skills to handle future ones on your own.
- You feel more in control
The main outcome of PST is a stronger sense of:
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- Agency.
- Self-efficacy.
- Confidence in your ability to cope.
If you’re making decisions more easily, acting when things go wrong, and not spiraling into helplessness, that’s a strong cue that you may be ready to stop or space out sessions.
- You’re noticing less rumination and avoidance
Many people come into PST stuck in:
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- Overthinking.
- Avoiding difficult tasks or decisions.
- Feeling stunned by even small stressors.
The therapy has likely done its job if these patterns have eased and you’re facing issues head-on (even imperfectly).
- Progress has plateaued
Sometimes, you reach a point where you’ve gained what you can from PST:
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- The structured method becomes second nature.
- You’re not bringing new problems to work on.
- Sessions feel more like check-ins than growth opportunities.
At this stage, it might make sense to end, pause, or transition to another type of therapy.
- You and your therapist agree it’s time
You and your therapist will usually evaluate progress around sessions 5–8.
It’s probably a good time to start preparing for termination if both of you agree that:
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- Your depressive symptoms have improved.
- You’re consistently using the tools on your own.
- You’ve gained what you came for.
When not to stop PST:
Even if you’re feeling a bit better, don’t stop if:
- You still feel stuck on the same issues.
- You haven’t internalized the PST steps.
- You’re using therapy as a safety net because you’re afraid of relapsing.
- There’s been no measurable improvement in your daily functioning.
You might need more time, a booster session plan, or a therapy adjustment in these cases.
