In the assigned readings, the one that was the most prominent to me was Chapter 8, regarding the termination of counseling. In many classes we discuss, write papers, and take tests on what is needed to do in counseling, assessments, ethical boundaries, and diagnostics and treatment planning. However, Thomas and Sosin brought up the valid point of the termination phase and it's importance. Thomas and Sosin (2011) discussed how the transition of life from having a counselor to not having a counselor is a big adjustment. I really enjoyed the analogy the authors use in the text (2011), the discuss how a surgeon after performing surgery would not leave wound open and exposed to infection. Yes the injury has been fixed, but the risk of infection is great. Same applies for the counseling process.All throughout the process of counseling, your client should be aware that this is going to end at some point, once goals are reached. Once your client has succeeded in reaching the goals he/she has set and then need to continue on with life without his/her counselor.
As Thomas and Sosin (2011) point out, this is a topic that is not talked about enough in textbooks and in literature. This step is crucial because it helps the client adjust into life without a counselor.
Sosin, L., & Thomas, J. C. (2011). Therapeutic Expedition Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey.. Nashville: B & H Pub. Group.
Dear Shiloh,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I think termination can be very difficult for a client. This section was one that stood out to me as well, so I appreciate that you choose this topic to discuss in your blog. I too found that analogy of a doctor finishing up surgery to be a good mental picture for dealing with termination. I also found it interesting that the authors discuss how this can be difficult for the counselor as well. I think many times we think that counselors should be able to disconnect with their clients since they have to do that when they go home from work every day. However, I appreciated the way the authors discuss how this is a time for the counselor to gain closure as well.
Good job!
Camille
Thank you for your comment! Yeah I agree, termination can be difficult. Yet, if the counselor fully prepares the client from the beginning, the goals can be more easily met. I think that beginning with the end in mind, helps foster independence and growth of the person. I think that closure is key because it helps the client continue on with this progress. Also, with helping the client understand that this relationship will come to an end will help with the professional nature of the relationship.
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Shiloh
The termination process of a counseling treatment is extremely significant, especially for the client. This process can reinforce the learned behaviors or may destroy everything. I agree with you that as counselors the termination process should be present; however, this process should slowly be introduced to the client. Introducing the termination process to the client too soon in the treatment or abruptly may cause damage instead of success. Great post!
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Victor
Shiloh, Thanks for touching base on the termination process. Having worked as a substance abuse counselor, residential counselor and milieu counselor in the past, i have always payed more attention to therapeutic alliance rather than termination. This chapter together with your view on this process has helped me to learn that they are both important in the counseling process. Great job!
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