I was in long-term therapy (10 years) and also never experienced my therapist as hand-holding nor did I experience dependency that made my therapy dysfunctional or laden with transference issues. My therapist always had an end in mind and we worked toward that end so that when my goals were reached, ending therapy was not at all difficult nor was it traumatic or damaging; it was a very natural and positive ending, and I have done extremely well since leaving my therapy nearly 6 years ago.