Posted by gardenergirl on March 9, 2004, at 17:30:16
In reply to Re: 1 last time - termination » shortelise, posted by Pfinstegg on March 9, 2004, at 16:07:41
shorte
I don't have personal experience with termination with a T...still in dependent stage.But I have terminated with many clients, both due to them getting better and choosing to end therapy and also for other reasons: the client leaving the facility where I was working, me leaving a year-long placement, or the client quitting because they felt they weren't getting anything out of it (yes, I have had clients fire me).
With any of the clients I've worked with for more than a few sessions, termination has always been sad in some ways. Even with those who got better enough that termination was appropriate for them and not due to some other circumstance, it is sad to end a significant relationship. So I can imagine that for the client, it is also both sad and happy. Happy you have reached your goals, but sad at the loss.
I always make sure that my clients know that they are welcome to come back if they ever need to. If I will no longer be at the agency I make sure the person knows who to contact or who my replacement is. I agree with the other poster who referred to therapy as more of a life long learning process. Sometimes you need help with that and sometimes you are able to continue along your path on your own for awhile. If you have someone join you again later, that's okay.
I hope these ramblings are helpful. I hope you also do something special to honor your progress and your relationship with your T.
Take care and good luck. You are always welcome back here as well.
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:322444
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040308/msgs/322526.html