What does an effective termination process in therapy involve?

An effective termination process in therapy primarily involves reviewing progress and discussing future strategies. This phase is crucial because it allows both the therapist and the client to reflect on the achievements made during the therapy sessions. A thorough review helps to highlight the client's growth, the skills they have developed, and the changes they have experienced.

Discussing future strategies is equally important as it prepares the client for life after therapy. This involves creating a plan for how to maintain the progress made and handle any challenges that may arise. Addressing potential obstacles ensures that the client feels equipped to manage their ongoing mental health needs independently.

While developing new therapy goals could be a part of a longer therapy process, it is not typical in the termination phase, as the focus should be on consolidating past work rather than creating new goals. Conducting family therapy sessions or revisiting past trauma experiences, while potentially relevant to therapy at different stages, do not specifically address the closure or finishing aspects that characterize the termination process. Instead, these activities might be conducted earlier in the therapeutic relationship to support the client’s progress.