All therapeutic relationships come to an end, but exactly how should that happen? Clinicians would be wise to avoid abandoning clients and instead engage in ethical termination. This training will distinguish between termination and abandonment from an NASW ethical perspective. Case studies will highlight the complexities of what clinicians should assess in their termination process with clients. Learners will feel more informed about the constitution of ethical termination and be prepared to engage in ethical termination practices with clients and avoid unethical abandonment.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Educate clients on the grieving processes of the end of the therapeutic relationship as unique to the individual.
- Identify observable symptoms of prolonged grief to the end of the therapeutic relationship.
- Evaluate the client’s inner motivations for holding onto a prolonged therapeutic termination grieving process.
- Construct a model for helping clients move forward successfully from termination of services.
- Implement 5 interventions the therapist can use to help clients to process the end of therapy services.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Types and Triggers of Termination
- Forced, client-initiated, and therapist-initiated terminations
- Influencing factors: clinical progress, symptom reduction, or scope of competence
- Unplanned endings and crisis pileup affecting termination timing
- Indications include client disengagement, risk, or unresolved conflict
Objective #2: Ethical and Legal Foundations
- Termination outlined in NASW Code of Ethics Sections 1.06 and 1.17
- Duties include proper referral, confidentiality, and consideration of harm
- Conflicts of interest and therapist incapacity must be ethically managed
- Premature termination can constitute unethical practice or malpractice
Objective #3: Understanding and Preventing Abandonment
- Defined as abrupt or unjustified termination with no support or referral
- Client must prove harm due to therapist discontinuing care
- Proper documentation and transition planning defend against liability
- Importance of reason, timing, and process in ethical termination
Objective #4: Common Termination Errors
- Abrupt or last-minute endings without closure
- Minimizing therapeutic relationship or signs of client risk
- Failure to provide referrals or coordinate continuity of care
- Ending based on therapist needs rather than clinical indicators
Objective #5: Ethical Termination Guidelines
- Discuss termination at the outset and throughout therapy
- Agree on treatment goals and indicators for completion
- Prepare for therapist- or client-initiated interruptions
- Recognize client responsibility vs. clinician obligations in discontinuation
Objective #6: Clinical Process of Termination
- Therapist and client preparation for the ending phase
- Explore progress, changes, and unfinished work
- Encourage reflection, future planning, and feedback exchange
- Use rituals or summary documents to support closure
Objective #7: Special Considerations
- Group therapy: manage collective endings and feedback
- Helping the helper: therapist emotions and self-awareness
- Reduce premature termination through early engagement and alliance
- Use motivational interviewing, role induction, and feedback tools
Objective #8: Documentation and Letters
- Termination letters should include client name, dates, reason, referrals
- Avoid including confidential treatment details
- Retain copies and ensure secure, trackable delivery
- Sample letters and ethical templates support good practice
Objective #9: Creative Termination Activities
- Use exercises and rituals to reinforce therapeutic gains
- Options include artwork, closing reflections, group feedback, or written affirmations
- Child-specific and group-specific tools offer tailored closure
- Resources include worksheets, wellness plans, and goodbye letters
Objective #10: Case Studies and Ethical Dilemmas
- Explore scenarios involving suicidal ideation, non-payment, and compliance issues
- Evaluate ethical justifications and clinician responsibilities
- Reflect on decision-making and potential risks of continuation or closure
- Emphasize importance of supervision and ethical consultation
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Ethics continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 9/21/2024
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 3hrs Ethics 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