Endings – whether planned or unplanned – can be tough, both for the client as well as the clinician, as termination is fraught with emotional dynamics. Yet endings, if navigated properly, can also be healing and serve as powerful growth points. In this training, we will explore the various ways in which clinicians can facilitate positive termination experiences with their clients. We will discuss clinician- and client-initiated endings and examine the psychological dynamics inherent in each. We will also review best ethical practices when it comes to managing client referrals, planned breaks such as vacations, and (un)expected interruptions of service.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify different ways that a clinical relationship with a client can end
- Discuss how to best navigate terminations with clients
- Recognize the psychological dynamics that are a part of the termination process, both for the client as well as for the clinician
- Describe how to best manage referrals, planned breaks, and interruptions of service
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Termination in Therapy
- Identify the different ways a clinical relationship may come to an end
- Explore the emotional and psychological impact of termination on both client and clinician
- Examine cultural influences on how endings are handled in therapy and society
Objective #2:Clinician-Initiated Endings
- Review reasons for clinician-initiated termination including illness, retirement, relocation, or completed goals
- Discuss ethical grounds for ending therapy such as safety concerns, lack of benefit, or dual relationships
- Understand legal and professional standards regarding nonpayment and clinician competence
Objective #3:Client-Initiated Endings
- Identify client-driven reasons for ending including financial changes, dissatisfaction, or relocation
- Recognize unplanned terminations and their emotional impact on the client and therapeutic process
- Explore the concept of client abandonment and strategies to avoid it
Objective #4:Preparing for a Planned Ending
- Begin therapy with the end in mind through clear goal setting
- Signal upcoming endings and create space to process related emotions
- Review the therapy journey including growth, highlights, and remaining concerns
- Discuss future plans, support systems, and unfinished business
Objective #5:Honoring the Therapeutic Relationship
- Invite clients to reflect on the meaning of the relationship and what they are taking away
- Offer space for mutual feedback on the experience of therapy
- Explore appropriate boundaries for future contact
- Incorporate rituals such as letter writing, tokens of appreciation, and symbolic crafts
Objective #6: Navigating Client Dropouts
- Understand statistics and reasons behind therapy dropout
- Identify risk factors including age, diagnosis, rapport, and socio-economic barriers
- Develop practices to reduce dropout such as early education, check-ins, and clear expectations
- Document all efforts to reach out and follow ethical guidelines in unexpected endings
- Support clinician self-reflection and emotional processing after a client leaves therapy
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: 1/18/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com