PGDCG&R SEM 1 PAPEIR 4 UNIT 5 - TERMINATION OF COUNSELLING
Termination is the final stage of counseling and marks the close of the relationship. Termination is the counselor and the client ending the therapeutic alliance. The termination stage can be as important as the initial stage in that it is the last interaction many clients will have with the counselor. If the termination leaves on a sour note, then the client may look back on the time as a waste of effort and resources. If the termination goes well, then this has a multiplying effect, as the former client sees that their time was well spent and this will be one more person who is helping reduce the stigma of mental health.
With termination, there may be some safety features put into place. Many counselors feel the need to check in with their clients after some time or have their clients check in with them. This is commonly referred to as a follow up and involves communicating with the client to ensure stability and well-being. It's no different than a doctor's office calling in and checking up on you.
If the relationship was not established or the client is afflicted by an issue that is beyond the skill of the counselor, then a referral is needed. A referral is a recommendation to the client to seek services from a suggested counselor familiar with the concern. A suggested counselor would be someone the current counselor knows can handle the issue.
Being able to recognize your own limits is a sign that you have developed a high level of insight and skill. If you think you can work with everyone about anything, you are likely going to do some harm.
Termination can happen for a myriad of reasons but could be easily placed under 'natural termination' and 'unnatural termination.' These are my own terms, and I don't believe you will find them in the literature. However, they will help you easily understand the different ways termination can occur.
