This rich and reflective training explores the clinical, emotional, and symbolic importance of ending the therapeutic relationship with intention and care. Too often, terminations are rushed, avoided, or emotionally disconnected, missing a profound opportunity for integration, closure, and transformation. This webinar provides clinicians with practical tools and creative ideas for designing meaningful termination rituals tailored to each client’s developmental stage, cultural context, and therapeutic journey. Drawing from psychodynamic, creative, expressive arts, narrative, and relational perspectives, participants will examine the psychological impact of endings, common client and therapist reactions to termination, and ethical considerations around 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.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com