The beginnings of a paradigm for the terminal phase have been derived from a review of the historical development of work bearing on issues germane to the terminal phase as such and a synthesis of this development with relevant contemporary writings. The terminal phase of analysis is conceived of as ensuing only to the extent that a transference neurosis has been psychoanalytically evolved and resolved. While the resolution of the transference neurosis almost typically continues into the terminal phase, it is considered useful and valid to regard the terminal phase as concerned primarily with the disposition of the therapeutic alliance. In this regard a certain symmetry still obtains for the paradigm analysis. Insofar as the opening phase can be viewed as being defined largely by the establishment of the therapeutic alliance (and the beginning flowering of the transference neurosis) so the terminal phase can be viewed as concerned mainly with the disposition of the therapeutic alliance (and whatever residue or reactivation of transference neurosis remains).