Thirty to sixty-five percent of patients in psychiatric clinics discontinue treatment early in the course of therapy. The hypothesis that this serious 'drop-out' rate is due at least in part to factors associated with the therapist was tested. Findings revealed that the most significant variable for the continuance of therapy was the 'mutuality of expectation between patient and therapist'. Discontinuance typically occurs when the patient anticipates being the dependent recipient of the powerful, giving doctor and the therapist rigidly insists on the 'mutual participation' model of the psychotherapeutic relationship. Therapists are advised to pay more attention to the patient's initial expectations in the crucial early hours of treatment. Frustration of these expectations, if indicated, can be accomplished constructively, i.e., gradually, whereas premature frustration is in effect rejection.