Addressing the topic of termination within the frame of psychoanalysis, Irene Chiarandini focused on the role that treatment goals have within the relationship between the analyst and analysand. Using clinical material to buttress her perspective, Chiarandini illustrated some ways in which the ending of an analysis for both analyst and analysand can elicit a range of feelings from frustration and sadness to hope and mutual gratitude. Her descriptions speak to the conflicts that often characterize the ending of such a deep and meaningful relationship.

Following a review of the literature addressing the topic of termination, Chiarandini gave particular consideration to what one would term “analytic values,” which speaks to the theoretical drive behind the course of an analysis: Since different schools emphasize different goals for analysis, Chiarandini points out that termination can be addressed in a variety of ways, depending upon the analyst's background and theoretical stance. In addition, what seems to have an influence on