Terminating Counseling Relationship Summary

Terminating Counseling Sessions and Relationships

Termination of services is not always agreement. There are circumstances that develop that can allow a counselor to terminate counseling services against the client’s wishes and better they have received everything the client needs from therapy. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (ACA, 2014, A. 11.c.), counselor’s should provide pre-termination services better ending the counselors service with their clients. Also, the counselor should recommend other services to the client if it is necessary. Therefore, the counselor should discuss termination services with the client in advance before the final session. Discussion of termination of counseling services will

However, before the counselor end services, the counselor must give notice, so the client can find another mental health counselor to continue treatment. Also, the counselor should make a referral and do everything the therapist cans to help the client transition to another mental health professional.

Steps to Terminating a Counseling Relationship

In the Laureate (2010g) video, Dr. Patton and his client, Billie are terminating their services together. Dr. Patton uses counseling microskills such as paraphrasing and checkout, the reflection of feelings, conformation, and reframing to help Billie cope with Dr. Patton ending their therapeutic relationship. Dr. Patton at 29:20, responds with a reframing statement.

The counselor says, “And I just want you to know, that I really experienced your relationship on a deep and personal level as well. This has been very powerful time for me. But I have learned about myself in the process.” The counselor reassured Billie that she was ready to end their counseling sessions. However, the counselor did state if Billie needed to come back that he would see Billie. The counselor also said if Billie required to see someone else, that he would assist Billie in finding

• The counselor should give the client with a written notice regarding the counselor’s intent to terminate services.

• The counselor should provide the client with three referrals to help the client locate another mental health professional that can assist the client.

• The counselor should provide the client a list of emergency contact numbers.

• The counselor should document the reason the counselor is terminating counseling services in the client’s file.

• The counselor should give the client time to find another therapist.

• Finally, the counselor should transfer the client’s records to the new mental health professional.

Following the steps above will prevent the counselor from violating the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics. The ACA Code of Ethics provides counselors with guidelines that will prevent the counselor from harming clients and help counselors to make ethical decisions regarding therapy. Taking the steps above will prevent clients from suing the counselor for adornment.

Characteristics of Optimal Closings of a Counseling