Basic counseling skills module: Termination

Termination is when:-

•         No clear cut ending, but no need to continue beyond usefulness.

•         Awareness by the counselor and the client that the work is accomplished.

•         Counselors may take the same number of sessions in termination as in rapport building. Termination must be Mutually agreeable and Planned

•         If terminated prematurely by client, the counselor should:

–       Make possible referrals

–       Offer assistance if and when needed

–       Remind the client that it was their choice

 Types of Termination  •         Continuing is against client best interest
 * 1) Suggested termination, with client agreement
 * 2) Imposed termination

•         Client is deteriorating, not progressing

•         Incompatibility with the therapist

•         Client using therapy in place of life •         Client moves
 * 1) Situational termination

•         Employment or insurance changes  
 * 1) Early termination, clients just don’t return.

Therapist must carefully consider the most effective way to terminate each client.
 * 1) How will termination impact the client?
 * 2) What is the client’s history of separation? Is the client likely to regress?
 * 3) What are the client’s reaction / opinion about termination? Can he / she see it as a positive step?