This reflective training examines why ending the therapeutic relationship deliberately and with care matters clinically, emotionally and symbolically. Terminations are too often hurried, dodged or emotionally flat, wasting a deep opportunity for integration, closure and transformation. The webinar offers clinicians practical tools and creative ideas for designing termination rituals that fit each client’s developmental stage, culture and therapy journey. Through psychodynamic, creative, expressive arts, narrative and relational lenses, participants look at how endings affect people psychologically, how clients and therapists commonly react and the ethics of planned and unplanned closures.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain the psychological and relational significance of the termination phase in the therapeutic process.
- Identify common emotional responses to termination and apply strategies to support clients in navigating the ending process.
- Describe how to implement personalized termination rituals that foster reflection, integration, and a sense of closure.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Explain the psychological and relational significance of the termination phase in the therapeutic process.
- Attachment patterns influence
- The nature of endings psychologically
Objective #2: Identify common emotional responses to termination and apply strategies to support clients in navigating the ending process.
- How the nervous system is triggered
- Grief, anger, shame, pride
Objective #3: Describe how to implement personalized termination rituals that foster reflection, integration, and a sense of closure.
- The psychological importance of ritual
- Types of ritual
- Ethical considerations
Summary/Q&A
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: January 29, 2026
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