A method for terminating a communication session is present. During a communication session in which communication devices are in communication through a server, one of the devices decides to terminate the session. This device generates a first message requesting permission to terminate participation in the session and sends it to the server. The server, receiving the first message, determines whether or not there is session media being communicated or pending communication to the device. If not, the server generates a second message authorizing the device to terminate its participation in the session and sends it to the device. The device continues to listen for session media until, upon receiving the second message, it terminates its participation in the session.