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The issue of how to terminate a therapeutic relationship is an important one. Some terminations are short and swift, while others may be long and protracted. The form and type of termination depends on the reason for termination, type of therapy, as well as on the client, therapist, setting, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. In many situations, therapists neither have the luxury of planning and discussing termination with clients nor the chance to go through a gradual, thorough, or lengthy termination process.
This course has been created to help therapists address the ethical, clinical and legal implications of termination, and fulfills the Law and Ethics requirement in many states (check with your Board).
NOT ALL TERMINATIONS
ARE CREATED EQUAL
Following are some examples of common but non-"textbook"' terminations:
Some argue that most terminations are initiated and executed by clients, who often neither consult nor inform their therapists that they have decided to quit therapy. They simply do not show up. Unlike the common myth to the contrary, there is no legal mandate for therapists to send a registered letter to the client or to request one more "closure" session. Each situation is different.
Therapist-initiated termination may involve situations in which a client threatens or stalks the therapist, their family members, or their employees via phone, e-mail, online, or in-person.
Therapists can also terminate treatment with clients who intrude into their private life via the Internet or in "real" life. Therapists are allowed to protect their privacy and secure their own, their family members' or employees' privacy and safety.
Generally, therapists must terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.
There are also situations when therapists are terminated by their clinic or employer or unexpectedly relocate, fall ill, or die.
Therapists who practice intermittent-long-term therapy view termination differently. In this modality, therapy may continue on-and-off throughout the life span of individuals and families. Rather than a final termination, this modality involves a series of 'end of a phase' of therapy.
Regardless of how or why therapy is terminated, it is essential to document, document and document: Who initiated the termination, why, treatment summary, and, if appropriate, referrals or follow ups, etc.
Complete Termination Guidelines
(You are welcome to share these
guidelines with your colleagues.)
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