As you learned from your readings this week, termination is an important part of counseling. Ideally, we have the opportunity to terminate with each client, though that’s not always the case when clients do not return to counseling without notice. Appropriate termination includes following ethical practices stated in the ACA and AMHCA Code of Ethics. Additionally, it is necessary that each of us is aware our own values and experiences related to leave taking so that we can offer a therapeutic end to counseling that benefits clients, so that we create a “good” bye experience rather than a “bad” bye.
For your initial post:
begin by reviewing the ACA and AMHCA Code of Ethics. Discuss what stand out to you about our ethical practices related to termination.
Next, please discuss your experiences with “endings” or “leave taking.” Such experiences might include ending relationships, instances where someone died, leaving a job, moving to a new town, etc. Consider, too, any cultural values you might have related to endings or leave taking. Overall, what is your relationship with endings/leave taking? Positive? Negative? Somewhere in the middle? How might your experiences impact the termination process with clients?
Finally, share what you want to include when you terminate with clients. Undoubtedly, you will be guided some by the ethical codes you read, though each of you will likely have elements that reflect your personality and counseling style—that’s a good thing! All of us will conduct termination in slightly different ways, and all can reflect ethical, competent practice!
Readings:
Hackney & Bernard. (2012). Professional Counseling: A Process Guide to Helping (8th Edition). Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-0134165776
Chapter 12
This is a really thorough breakdown of the types of termination from Syracuse University. The module includes important information and is worth the time to work through. Consider downloading some of the resources!
https://soe.syr.edu/departments/academic/counseling-human-services/modules/termination/
Article on the unique issues with counselor trainees and their clients when it’s time for termination:
Lampropoulos, G. K. (2010). Type of counseling termination and trainee therapist-client agreement about change. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 23(1), 111–120. https://doi-org.nec.gmilcs.org/10.1080/09515071003721552 Week 12 Lampropoulos.pdf Week 12 Lampropoulos.pdf – Alternative Formats
A Counseling Today perspective for counselor job changes which necessitate a termination of counseling relationships:
Issues to consider when changing jobs and terminating client relationships
