ABSTRACT
Endings can trigger many strong feelings for clients often associated with their childhood experiences and core pain. The goodbye letter includes such descriptions of disappointments and reminds the client of a ‘good-enough’ therapy and therapist. Feelings associated with the loss of something that may have become important for the client are validated and normalised. The letter can also act as a ‘transitional object’ that can be used as a reminder of the therapy and the work left to be done. The purpose of both goodbye letters is to review the therapy: what has been achieved, the ongoing work and also to say goodbye. These can be powerful letters that can be extremely meaningful and emotional elements of the therapy. The therapist’s letter summarises gains that have been made in therapy, reflects on the process of the therapy and includes a summary of the content of the sessions and work left to do.
