Psychoanalytic therapy is a deep study of the personality, leading to its transformation, to a change in external and internal reality. This research may be endless, and yet, any therapy must end. What are the criteria for ending therapy? When reflecting on the achievements of his client (hereinafter I will use the word “analysand”), the analyst asks himself the following questions: Is the analysand suffering? Symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg, indicators of deeper difficulties. We do not expect complete elimination of symptoms - in stressful situations, our psyche may resort to old types of defense. But we expect a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of symptomatic manifestations. What is the quality of the analysand's personal relationships? A healthy relationship is not a relationship without conflict. These are relationships in which conflicts are resolved constructively, and the psyche is not inclined to resort to rigid defense mechanisms. We look at whether the analysand is capable of integral object relations, that is, whether he recognizes the autonomy of the other person. Is he able to recognize and withstand his own aggression, as well as feelings of guilt and remorse? Does he have a desire to repair the damage done to another person? Can the analysand tolerate a triadic relationship? One of the most difficult developmental challenges is the transition from dyadic to triadic relationships. Is the analysand able to see and tolerate the difference between his real place in this world and his desired place? Are you able to be an observer rather than a participant in a relationship? Can one be aware of and withstand feelings of rivalry, competition and envy? Is the analysand ready to accept reality? We use many ways to falsify or evade reality. Reality acceptance is the ability to acknowledge and tolerate our own imperfections and limitations, as well as the imperfections and limitations of others. It is the ability to cope with what life throws at us, with frustrations and disappointments. An important part of development is the renunciation of one's own omnipotence. Can we have realistic relationships with other people, recognizing and accepting that they are imperfect and that in some ways they are better than us? Can the analysand reflect on his feelings? The question is not whether there is an internal conflict. The question is how we cope with it in the external and internal world. Can the analysand think about and experience his affects rather than acting out them momentarily and thus trying to get rid of them? How does the analysand feel about work? A large part of our lives is devoted to work, therefore, how we function in the work environment is an important criterion for mental health. Is the analysand able to focus on the task at hand, build relationships with colleagues, be part of a team, and withstand the inevitable rivalry and competition? It is also important how the analysand feels about the lack of work. Work can be used as a protection against intolerable feelings and anxieties, as well as from intimacy with other people. How does the analysand relate to play and fun? According to Winnicott, mental health depends on the ability to love, work and play. Ira occupies a central place in the child’s emotional development, as she connects his unconscious fantasy and reality. The ability to play indicates the presence of a transitional space in our psyche, a space that allows us to play with our thoughts and feelings without them causing too much anxiety. Does the analysand have a sense of humor? One of the significant changes observed during therapy is the development of a sense of humor. The ability to admit our shortcomings, as well as the ability to forgive, is related to the ability to look at our own difficulties with humor. Source: Alessandra Lemma. Introduction to the practice of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. (UK, 2003)