The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy Ending Therapy
Oct 29, 2018
Curt and Katie delve into the importance of discussing treatment termination early. They explore techniques for normalizing endings and setting client expectations. The duo addresses challenges like clients ghosting and share strategies for positive closures. They discuss the emotional impact on both therapists and clients during abrupt terminations, and the ethics of requesting termination sessions. Additionally, they highlight the need for referrals and ongoing support, emphasizing the significance of honoring the therapeutic relationship.
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Start Termination Talk In Session One
- Bring up termination in the first session to set expectations and normalize endings.
- Tell clients termination can happen so they know therapy has a purpose and a possible endpoint.
Normalize Ghosting And Encourage Open Exit
- Normalize clients' impulses to stop or “ghost” and give permission to say when therapy isn't working.
- Encourage open discussion about wanting to end so you can plan a healthy goodbye together.
Context Shapes How Therapy Ends
- Termination practices vary by setting: public mental health, private practice, and insurance-driven care create different constraints.
- Plan termination with your work context in mind because logistics (insurance, transfers) often dictate endings.