How to Finish a Counseling Relationship With a Client

There can be many reasons you need to end a counseling relationship with a client. The reason could be something as simple as a relocation, or something more complicated like a conflict of interest. Whatever the reason to end the relationship, it is essential that the transition be handled properly for both legal and ethical reasons. By understanding the ramifications of ending the relationship, you can terminate your counseling relationship in a positive way for both you and the client.

Instructions

Ending the Relationship Properly

• 1

  Understand important considerations. A counselor has an ethical obligation to make sure ending the counseling relationship will not harm the client. According to the American Counseling Association, "the counselor must take care not to threaten the therapeutic relationship, nor to leave obligations unfulfilled." Trust is a mandatory component of successful counseling. Make sure the client does not feel that he is being abandoned or is beyond help.

• 2

  Ask appropriate questions about ending the counseling relationship. These questions should include whether more counseling or different medical help is needed, whether the counseling has helped, and whether this change in the relationship should be temporary or permanent. Discuss these issues with your client so that she feels involved in the decision. Make sure your client knows about the termination of the relationship as far in advance as possible.

• 3

  Plan the end of the relationship with your client. Explain the reasons for ending the relationship, and set specific dates for the termination. If you are ending the relationship because the client needs more intensive care than you can offer, make sure your plan includes referrals to a medical practitioner who can be more effective. Explain the termination in terms of protecting the client from harm by finding someone suitable. If you feel the client has improved enough to end treatment, discuss the signs of improvement, and why you feel termination is appropriate.

• 4

  Prepare the client for what happens after the relationship. Encourage your patient to make and keep appointments with the new counselor. If the client is ending treatment because his condition has improved, make sure he understands warning signs for a relapse. Discuss symptoms the client should be concerned with, and make sure he feels comfortable seeking treatment if the condition has worsened.