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How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "I will work with clients and continually review progress with them and determine if counseling is helping.\'a0 If a client appears to have less to talk about in sessions, appears more stable for a period of time and has reached therapeutic goals I will talk about termination.\'a0 Some clients however I may continue with on a monthly or bi monthly process to allow for check-ins to see how they are doing and if they need more help at that time.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "There are several reasons for a counselor to decide to end counseling. \'a0A major reason to end counseling is if the counselor feels that he or she does not have the skills or experience to work with the client. \'a0This may happen during the intake process or after working with the client for some time. \'a0If the clinician feels that the client is not benefitting from the therapy, it is ethical to suggest that the client terminate the therapy. \'a0The process of termination must not injure the client and, if necessary, the clinician may need to refer the client to other treatment modalities. \'a0Another reason to terminate working with a client is if the client needs a higher level of care. \'a0If the client has a crisis or is at risk of hurting himself or someone else, he or she may need a higher level of care. \'a0In this circumstance, the clinician may need to involve outside services such as a crisis unit. \'a0A third reason to terminate with a client is if the clinician feels that he or she cannot remain professional with the client relationship. \'a0For example, if the issues that the client is working on bring up something significant for the clinician and the clinician feels that he is unable to separate that from the professional relationship. \'a0In this instance, the clinician should refer the client to another therapist. \'a0Finally, if the client has reached her goals for therapy and no longer needs treatment, the clinician and client should terminate treatment.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "Counseling ends when the client has received the maximum benefit from the therapist. Even if the therapist believes the client is not making progress, the client may feel they are improving and receiving a benefit. And the therapist may see a benefit and the client does not. It is best to have ongoing dialogue with the client to determine when termination is appropriate.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "Goodbyes can be hard.\
Chances are most of the goodbyes you have experienced in your life have been\
difficult. Saying goodbye to a therapist can be different. It can be an\
opportunity to create a healthy ending in a positive relationship in your life.\
If you work with a therapist who is skilled, then saying goodbye can be just as\
transformative as the therapy itself. Ending therapy is also known\
as \'93termination.\'94 I know, \'93termination\'94 doesn\'92t have a great ring to it!\
However, it is what it is. It is an ending of the relationship as it existed.\
It is reality cold and stark. Of course, when I talk to clients I don\'92t use the\
word \'93termination,\'94 I usually say \'93our goodbye.\'94 \'a0Under what circumstances does therapy usually\
end? Therapy should end when a client does not need further assistance, is not\
receiving any benefit from therapy, or might be harmed by continuing to work\
with a particular therapist.In the best case scenario\
the decision to move on from therapy and \'93say our goodbyes\'94 happens when both\
the therapist and the client feel like the client is ready to move on and move\
up!\'a0 Ending the therapeutic relationship\
should actually be worked on from the very first session. What I mean by that\
is, there should be an understanding that the work we do together will have an\
ending and that is a good thing because it means the client has gained the\
skills to continue working on themselves independently. So the first session I\
have with clients usually outlines a plan where the end goal is discussed and\
we both have an understanding of the skills the client wants to learn or what\
they hope to achieve. Now sometimes there are\
situations where the therapist ends the relationship and the client may take\
that personally, it is hard when any relationship ends and it might bring up\
feelings of sadness, and fear or abandonment. Any good therapist will end the\
relationship based on what is right for the client. What are some situations\
where a therapist might end the relationship?If the situation the client\
is dealing with is out of the therapist's scope of practice, the therapist may\
end the relationship and refer the client to someone else. This is in the\
client\'92s best interest. Another reason a therapist might end the relationship\
is that the therapist is in a place in her life which prevents her from being\
objective and helpful.\'a0 A therapist who\
is going through a painful divorce may have difficulty working with a couple\
that considering divorce. A good therapist may see that their judgement may be\
clouded and want to refer the client to see someone else. This is good practice\
and helps the client.If a client is actively\
suicidal or actively using substances then the therapist may end the\
relationship and refer out for a higher level of care. The client may need to\
be hospitalized or may need an inpatient substance abuse treatment program.\
Therapy may be terminated while they are being treated and may continue after\
the intensive program is completed.\'a0\
Ending therapy should be a\
time for connection and bringing together accomplishments, or reviewing the\
next important step the client needs to take. It should not be an experience of\
abandonment. A skilled therapist will help a client gain a new perspective on\
closure. For some clients, it may be the one time in their lives when they get\
a clean ending in a healthy relationship and they get to feel a sense of\
control on creating that ending.\'a0Good luck to you!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "In the best case scenario, it's a mutual discussion and decision. If not, \'a0I've had the discussion initiated both ways, by me, when I sense the client has gone has far as they want, by lack of interest in accepting or completing homework assignments, missing or cancelling appointments, usually at the last minute, lack of participation during sessions. \'a0Client initiates by asking me pointed questions about why the need for homework assignments,, by forgetting their calendar, or their checkbook :) , by suggesting that we make appointments over longer intervals (once a week to once a month, for example). \'a0I rarely have had to terminate a working relationship--that's why I don't charge for the first visit, so we know if we are a good fit before we start working together. \'a0Then I periodically ask whether the client feels we are making progress, moving in the right direction, talking about the most relevant issues etc.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "There are typically three reasons why therapy is terminated:1) Client has met therapy goals2) Client is not progressing\'a03) Therapist is not a good fit for clientIn order to properly assess whether therapy is helping and what progress is being made, the therapist needs to have ways of consistently checking in with clients sessions-by-session to determine what is helping, what isn't, and where the client is at in relation to their original therapy goals. When a client has met their goals, that is a good time to end counselling sessions unless the client has new goals or simply wants to check-in periodically to make sure that they are still on track (sometimes referred to as relapse prevention).\'a0When a client is not progressing, and feedback has been taken and attempts have been made to make the therapy more helpful for the client but to no avail, than it is considered unethical to continue to work with the client. In these circumstances, referring out to another therapist who may be a better fit is a good idea.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hello. The end of the counselor/client relationship is one of mutual respect and engagement. Counseling sessions can end for any number of reasons. Among them are the client's inability to make forward progress in therapy; the clinician's inability to help the client (for a variety of reasons); a mutually agreed upon time frame for a number of sessions to be provided; or the financial challenges of the client who decides that they need to put their resources elsewhere. In this last case, a counselor should never cancel sessions with a client simply on the basis of the client's inability to pay. That is traditionally seen as an unethical practice. Other arrangements can be made to provide care to the client, which in itself should be paramount.When the client and therapist decide that services are done, it is best if there is at least one or two more sessions to allow a case file review to occur, and to bring an appropriate psychological sense of closure to the client (and vicariously to the clinician as well, those this is perhaps not as important). This transition gives both a sense of having reached the end of a journey...rather than some abrupt departure from it. (An abrupt ending in therapy can have a varying level of impact both emotionally and psychologically on the client and therapist). Sometimes the closure of therapy is the result of a program of therapy being formally completed, in which there is a mutually known (albeit perhaps approximate) date of when that program will be finished. In this case, the client is likely feeling that impending closure and has time to prepare mentally and emotionally from a place of being the client in therapy, to a place of healing, growth and situational resolution.I have always worked in therapy with the following slogan (if you will), that I learned years ago during graduate school: ""Not every therapist is good for every client, and not every client is good for every therapist."" It is perhaps one of the most important guiding views I hold in working with clients. The therapeutic relationship is driven by mutuality - the desire of the client to get better at living life, and the therapist's desire to truly see the client heal and grow. When there is a block in this process from either side that prevents that synergy from occurring, the relationship that should be established may not be able to form. Or, if already formed, may at some point be unable to move forward. In these instances, referring the client to another type of service or clinician is appropriate. Usually, this can be seen pretty quickly by either party, though sometimes it is not always clear.Ultimately, the client and counselor need to work together to discover if the needs of the client (which is paramount) are being met in the therapeutic engagement with their current counselor, or if other arrangements need to be made to go elsewhere. If both are observant in this process, they can work together to maintain that sacred space and continue to reach the goals that have been set. Eventually, therapy will end, but hopefully based on the client's successful journey to the place where they wanted to go, and thus opening the next chapters of their life to a space that is more whole and brighter.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hopefully both the client and counselor would together decide when to terminate counseling sessions. It's really helpful for the client to leave counseling with a solid sense of what he or she has accomplished in counseling, so it can be a good idea to spend some time acknowledging that in the last session or sessions. Sometimes, however, a client has needs beyond the scope of the counselor's expertise. That's a good time for a conversation about those needs and ideas of \'a0how best to meet them, whether by adding in care with an additional mental health professional or transferring care entirely to a new mental health provider.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "There are different reasons why a counselor may seek to terminate with a client and these will each have different processes by which the counselor will come to that decision. Here are a few examples.\'a0The counselor may determine that the client's needs are outside what the counselor is competent to be able to work with. A person may have come to the counselor talking about a particular issue but either when they first met or as counseling progressed, it may become clear that the issue is in fact something different or that there is an additional related issue. If that issue is outside the competence of the counselor, the counselor should look for alternatives, the most common of which would be to terminate and refer. Beyond clinical issues, this could also come up around particular other related facts, such as the culture of the client or linguistic issues. This could also be the choice of the counselor if they know someone that they feel would be a better match for the client's issues.\'a0Another reason for discharge (and possible referral) would be if the relationship does not seem to be a good fit. No counselor is the right person to work with everyone. If the right level of connection is not happening, the counselor will often look first at what they are doing, might talk about it with the client and ultimately will admit that things don't seem to be working to allow the desired therapeutic process to work. A similar process would be followed if the counselor determined that the client might not yet be ready for counseling as evidenced by lack of engagement such as frequent cancellations, not doing any agreed on work between sessions, showing up late or being really guarded in session.\'a0The easiest situation to decide on is when a person has met their counseling goals and have nothing new that they are working on. While this is the easiest one to determine, it is also probably the hardest one for the counselor as they may be like the client in not wanting the relationship to come to an end. However, counselors know that this is part of the process. They will also determine this by regularly reviewing the treatment plan or by sending in the sessions that the work has come to an end. This type of termination maybe final or may be with the intent that the client will return later to address other things that have been identified but for which they are not ready to move into.\'a0All of these (and other) situations involves the counselor being open to the relationship ending, to monitoring how things are going, then engaging in self reflection, possibly talking with the client and then coming to a conclusion on which the counselor \'a0follows through.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "From the very beginning of counseling sessions I emphasize that the work will and must end at some point.In counseling there is an arc to the process. A beginning, middle and end.\'a0I am always digging, searching and exploring.\'a0There comes a point where things come to there natural ending.I always leave an opening for continuing counseling in the future. At least as a check in.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | For most:\'a0 When the money/insurance runs out.When best:\'a0 When the job is done... and you're feeling much better., | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "To be able to identify a clear ending to a counseling relationship, we must have a clear understanding of the goals and limitations of treatment.\'a0 Usually, during the initial evaluation, I identify my client\'92s short term and long term therapy goals.\'a0 As therapy progress, we verify goals on a monthly to a quarterly basis, depending on the frequency of the appointments.\'a0 Once the therapy goals have been met, there is a closing session, the counseling relationship is ended, and the client can stop attending sessions.\'a0 In some cases, the client can also establish new goals and determine if I am a good fit for their therapy needs or if they need a new provider, in which case I provide multiple referrals.The counseling relationship could also end due to other factors like noncompliance= when a client is not committed to the agreed treatment process, or when the client\'92s or a counselor violates the counseling relationship. \'a0Either the counselor or the client is able to end counseling.\'a0 Although, as mental health providers we need to provide a reason for terminating our therapeutic relationship and referral options, as a client\'a0no explanation is needed, a closing session is highly recommended. \'a0\'bfC\'f3mo termina la terapia?\'bfC\'f3mo un consejero decide cuando terminar las sesiones de consejer\'eda o terminar de trabajar con un paciente?Para poder determinar el final de la relaci\'f3n del consejero, debemos comprender las metas y par\'e1metros de la terapia.\'a0 Usualmente durante la evaluaci\'f3n inicial se identifican metas a corto y largo plazo con el cliente, y se discute con el cliente como esas metas ser\'e1n alcanzadas.\'a0 Durante el proceso de terapia el consejero revisa las metas mensual o trimestralmente dependiendo de la frecuencia de las citas.\'a0 Ya que las metas de terapia son alcanzadas, hay una sesi\'f3n de cierre y el cliente puede terminar la terapia.\'a0\'a0 En algunos casos el cliente puede identificar nuevas metas para la terapia y determinar si el mismo consejero u otro consejero le pueden asistir. \
La relaci\'f3n de consejer\'eda tambi\'e9n puede terminar por no conformar o violentar los par\'e1metros \'a0establecidos para la terapia. \'a0\'a0Tanto el consejero como el cliente pueden terminar la relaci\'f3n de terapia.\'a0 Como proveedores de salud mental los consejeros estamos obligados a proveer un raz\'f3n para la conclusi\'f3n del tratamiento y proveer referidos seg\'fan aplique, los clientes no necesitan proveer una explicaci\'f3n, aunque es recomendable discutirlo en una sesi\'f3n de cierre.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "It is usually time to end counseling sessions when it is clear to both the client and the counselor that therapeutic goals have been reached and enough improvement has been made that the client can continue without that support. There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part this is when counselors begin termination. For some clients, this is an easy process that marks the achievements they have made in working through their emotions and difficulties. For some other clients, however, this is a difficult process in which they are losing a valuable support and are understandably anxious about what life will be like without the frequent meetings. Ultimately, termination is different for everyone, and there are many ways that termination can be healthy and helpful.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "As a therapist who believes in client self-determination above most other elements of the process, I want to as much as possible leave it up to the client to determine when they are finished. In the case of a termination because a client's distress has resolved, I might periodically check in with the client about how therapy has been going, and if we want to re-evaluate where we are.The more unfortunate situation would come about if I felt that I wasn't the best fit for the client. I would offer that in words, and ideas of therapists (with names) of who I thought might be a better fit and why. It still is up to the client whether to continue, however should they want to keep seeing me, a part of the work would be about that want (to see someone who professionally doesn't believe they can help as much as someone else.)I also find it perplexing when I hear a client (or on a personal level) tell me that their therapist said they ""didn't need therapy."" I don't know that I buy into that scenario all that much, because I do believe that yes, not everyone NEEDS therapy, but that everyone CAN benefit from therapy and I don't believe it is the therapist's job to deter someone from ever seeking out help of any kind.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "Ideally, termination should be a mutual process. It's not that the therapist kicks the client out at some point and says, ""Okay, you're done."" Rather, over time the client will decrease the frequency with which he/she comes to session so that it may start off as weekly, then decrease to biweekly, then perhaps once every three weeks, then once/month and so on. Throughout this process, the therapist and client should have had regular check ins about progress toward goals. If the client feels good about where he/she is in life, he/she might decide to suspend therapy for now. That being said, the therapist should make it very clear that if the client ever decided to return for ""maintenance"" therapy or a check in, he/she would always be welcome.\'a0There is no hard and fast rule to ending or a particular time period in which it must end. What matters most is that the client feels good about it and knows that the therapist will always be there should he/she wish to return.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "For a therapist, deciding to end counseling sessions or terminate working with a client is a thoughtful and intentional decision. One that is not entered into lightly.\'a0While there are many considerations counselors take into account, to help answer this question, I'll offer an example of two areas that counselor's take into consideration when ending counseling sessions:Does the client need different or more specialized care than the current counselor can provide? This requires the counselor to determine whether referring the client to another therapist or health care provider is needed.And, has the therapeutic relationship reached treatment goal(s)?\'a0While this question is specific to the counselor, I'd like to also add that a client, at any time, can end counseling.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In general, I usually let the client decide when this should occur, sometimes with some clients it will be a joint agreement, but even in that case it should weigh mostly on what the client feels. In short, therapy ends when you feel your done.C", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "I will work with clients and continually review progress with them and determine if counseling is helping.\'a0 If a client appears to have less to talk about in sessions, appears more stable for a period of time and has reached therapeutic goals I will talk about termination.\'a0 Some clients however I may continue with on a monthly or bi monthly process to allow for check-ins to see how they are doing and if they need more help at that time.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "There are several reasons for a counselor to decide to end counseling. \'a0A major reason to end counseling is if the counselor feels that he or she does not have the skills or experience to work with the client. \'a0This may happen during the intake process or after working with the client for some time. \'a0If the clinician feels that the client is not benefitting from the therapy, it is ethical to suggest that the client terminate the therapy. \'a0The process of termination must not injure the client and, if necessary, the clinician may need to refer the client to other treatment modalities. \'a0Another reason to terminate working with a client is if the client needs a higher level of care. \'a0If the client has a crisis or is at risk of hurting himself or someone else, he or she may need a higher level of care. \'a0In this circumstance, the clinician may need to involve outside services such as a crisis unit. \'a0A third reason to terminate with a client is if the clinician feels that he or she cannot remain professional with the client relationship. \'a0For example, if the issues that the client is working on bring up something significant for the clinician and the clinician feels that he is unable to separate that from the professional relationship. \'a0In this instance, the clinician should refer the client to another therapist. \'a0Finally, if the client has reached her goals for therapy and no longer needs treatment, the clinician and client should terminate treatment.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Counseling ends when the client has received the maximum benefit from the therapist. Even if the therapist believes the client is not making progress, the client may feel they are improving and receiving a benefit. And the therapist may see a benefit and the client does not. It is best to have ongoing dialogue with the client to determine when termination is appropriate.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "Goodbyes can be hard.\
Chances are most of the goodbyes you have experienced in your life have been\
difficult. Saying goodbye to a therapist can be different. It can be an\
opportunity to create a healthy ending in a positive relationship in your life.\
If you work with a therapist who is skilled, then saying goodbye can be just as\
transformative as the therapy itself. Ending therapy is also known\
as \'93termination.\'94 I know, \'93termination\'94 doesn\'92t have a great ring to it!\
However, it is what it is. It is an ending of the relationship as it existed.\
It is reality cold and stark. Of course, when I talk to clients I don\'92t use the\
word \'93termination,\'94 I usually say \'93our goodbye.\'94 \'a0Under what circumstances does therapy usually\
end? Therapy should end when a client does not need further assistance, is not\
receiving any benefit from therapy, or might be harmed by continuing to work\
with a particular therapist.In the best case scenario\
the decision to move on from therapy and \'93say our goodbyes\'94 happens when both\
the therapist and the client feel like the client is ready to move on and move\
up!\'a0 Ending the therapeutic relationship\
should actually be worked on from the very first session. What I mean by that\
is, there should be an understanding that the work we do together will have an\
ending and that is a good thing because it means the client has gained the\
skills to continue working on themselves independently. So the first session I\
have with clients usually outlines a plan where the end goal is discussed and\
we both have an understanding of the skills the client wants to learn or what\
they hope to achieve. Now sometimes there are\
situations where the therapist ends the relationship and the client may take\
that personally, it is hard when any relationship ends and it might bring up\
feelings of sadness, and fear or abandonment. Any good therapist will end the\
relationship based on what is right for the client. What are some situations\
where a therapist might end the relationship?If the situation the client\
is dealing with is out of the therapist's scope of practice, the therapist may\
end the relationship and refer the client to someone else. This is in the\
client\'92s best interest. Another reason a therapist might end the relationship\
is that the therapist is in a place in her life which prevents her from being\
objective and helpful.\'a0 A therapist who\
is going through a painful divorce may have difficulty working with a couple\
that considering divorce. A good therapist may see that their judgement may be\
clouded and want to refer the client to see someone else. This is good practice\
and helps the client.If a client is actively\
suicidal or actively using substances then the therapist may end the\
relationship and refer out for a higher level of care. The client may need to\
be hospitalized or may need an inpatient substance abuse treatment program.\
Therapy may be terminated while they are being treated and may continue after\
the intensive program is completed.\'a0\
Ending therapy should be a\
time for connection and bringing together accomplishments, or reviewing the\
next important step the client needs to take. It should not be an experience of\
abandonment. A skilled therapist will help a client gain a new perspective on\
closure. For some clients, it may be the one time in their lives when they get\
a clean ending in a healthy relationship and they get to feel a sense of\
control on creating that ending.\'a0Good luck to you!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "In the best case scenario, it's a mutual discussion and decision. If not, \'a0I've had the discussion initiated both ways, by me, when I sense the client has gone has far as they want, by lack of interest in accepting or completing homework assignments, missing or cancelling appointments, usually at the last minute, lack of participation during sessions. \'a0Client initiates by asking me pointed questions about why the need for homework assignments,, by forgetting their calendar, or their checkbook :) , by suggesting that we make appointments over longer intervals (once a week to once a month, for example). \'a0I rarely have had to terminate a working relationship--that's why I don't charge for the first visit, so we know if we are a good fit before we start working together. \'a0Then I periodically ask whether the client feels we are making progress, moving in the right direction, talking about the most relevant issues etc.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "There are typically three reasons why therapy is terminated:1) Client has met therapy goals2) Client is not progressing\'a03) Therapist is not a good fit for clientIn order to properly assess whether therapy is helping and what progress is being made, the therapist needs to have ways of consistently checking in with clients sessions-by-session to determine what is helping, what isn't, and where the client is at in relation to their original therapy goals. When a client has met their goals, that is a good time to end counselling sessions unless the client has new goals or simply wants to check-in periodically to make sure that they are still on track (sometimes referred to as relapse prevention).\'a0When a client is not progressing, and feedback has been taken and attempts have been made to make the therapy more helpful for the client but to no avail, than it is considered unethical to continue to work with the client. In these circumstances, referring out to another therapist who may be a better fit is a good idea.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hello. The end of the counselor/client relationship is one of mutual respect and engagement. Counseling sessions can end for any number of reasons. Among them are the client's inability to make forward progress in therapy; the clinician's inability to help the client (for a variety of reasons); a mutually agreed upon time frame for a number of sessions to be provided; or the financial challenges of the client who decides that they need to put their resources elsewhere. In this last case, a counselor should never cancel sessions with a client simply on the basis of the client's inability to pay. That is traditionally seen as an unethical practice. Other arrangements can be made to provide care to the client, which in itself should be paramount.When the client and therapist decide that services are done, it is best if there is at least one or two more sessions to allow a case file review to occur, and to bring an appropriate psychological sense of closure to the client (and vicariously to the clinician as well, those this is perhaps not as important). This transition gives both a sense of having reached the end of a journey...rather than some abrupt departure from it. (An abrupt ending in therapy can have a varying level of impact both emotionally and psychologically on the client and therapist). Sometimes the closure of therapy is the result of a program of therapy being formally completed, in which there is a mutually known (albeit perhaps approximate) date of when that program will be finished. In this case, the client is likely feeling that impending closure and has time to prepare mentally and emotionally from a place of being the client in therapy, to a place of healing, growth and situational resolution.I have always worked in therapy with the following slogan (if you will), that I learned years ago during graduate school: ""Not every therapist is good for every client, and not every client is good for every therapist."" It is perhaps one of the most important guiding views I hold in working with clients. The therapeutic relationship is driven by mutuality - the desire of the client to get better at living life, and the therapist's desire to truly see the client heal and grow. When there is a block in this process from either side that prevents that synergy from occurring, the relationship that should be established may not be able to form. Or, if already formed, may at some point be unable to move forward. In these instances, referring the client to another type of service or clinician is appropriate. Usually, this can be seen pretty quickly by either party, though sometimes it is not always clear.Ultimately, the client and counselor need to work together to discover if the needs of the client (which is paramount) are being met in the therapeutic engagement with their current counselor, or if other arrangements need to be made to go elsewhere. If both are observant in this process, they can work together to maintain that sacred space and continue to reach the goals that have been set. Eventually, therapy will end, but hopefully based on the client's successful journey to the place where they wanted to go, and thus opening the next chapters of their life to a space that is more whole and brighter.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hopefully both the client and counselor would together decide when to terminate counseling sessions. It's really helpful for the client to leave counseling with a solid sense of what he or she has accomplished in counseling, so it can be a good idea to spend some time acknowledging that in the last session or sessions. Sometimes, however, a client has needs beyond the scope of the counselor's expertise. That's a good time for a conversation about those needs and ideas of \'a0how best to meet them, whether by adding in care with an additional mental health professional or transferring care entirely to a new mental health provider.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "There are different reasons why a counselor may seek to terminate with a client and these will each have different processes by which the counselor will come to that decision. Here are a few examples.\'a0The counselor may determine that the client's needs are outside what the counselor is competent to be able to work with. A person may have come to the counselor talking about a particular issue but either when they first met or as counseling progressed, it may become clear that the issue is in fact something different or that there is an additional related issue. If that issue is outside the competence of the counselor, the counselor should look for alternatives, the most common of which would be to terminate and refer. Beyond clinical issues, this could also come up around particular other related facts, such as the culture of the client or linguistic issues. This could also be the choice of the counselor if they know someone that they feel would be a better match for the client's issues.\'a0Another reason for discharge (and possible referral) would be if the relationship does not seem to be a good fit. No counselor is the right person to work with everyone. If the right level of connection is not happening, the counselor will often look first at what they are doing, might talk about it with the client and ultimately will admit that things don't seem to be working to allow the desired therapeutic process to work. A similar process would be followed if the counselor determined that the client might not yet be ready for counseling as evidenced by lack of engagement such as frequent cancellations, not doing any agreed on work between sessions, showing up late or being really guarded in session.\'a0The easiest situation to decide on is when a person has met their counseling goals and have nothing new that they are working on. While this is the easiest one to determine, it is also probably the hardest one for the counselor as they may be like the client in not wanting the relationship to come to an end. However, counselors know that this is part of the process. They will also determine this by regularly reviewing the treatment plan or by sending in the sessions that the work has come to an end. This type of termination maybe final or may be with the intent that the client will return later to address other things that have been identified but for which they are not ready to move into.\'a0All of these (and other) situations involves the counselor being open to the relationship ending, to monitoring how things are going, then engaging in self reflection, possibly talking with the client and then coming to a conclusion on which the counselor \'a0follows through.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "From the very beginning of counseling sessions I emphasize that the work will and must end at some point.In counseling there is an arc to the process. A beginning, middle and end.\'a0I am always digging, searching and exploring.\'a0There comes a point where things come to there natural ending.I always leave an opening for continuing counseling in the future. At least as a check in.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | For most:\'a0 When the money/insurance runs out.When best:\'a0 When the job is done... and you're feeling much better., | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "To be able to identify a clear ending to a counseling relationship, we must have a clear understanding of the goals and limitations of treatment.\'a0 Usually, during the initial evaluation, I identify my client\'92s short term and long term therapy goals.\'a0 As therapy progress, we verify goals on a monthly to a quarterly basis, depending on the frequency of the appointments.\'a0 Once the therapy goals have been met, there is a closing session, the counseling relationship is ended, and the client can stop attending sessions.\'a0 In some cases, the client can also establish new goals and determine if I am a good fit for their therapy needs or if they need a new provider, in which case I provide multiple referrals.The counseling relationship could also end due to other factors like noncompliance= when a client is not committed to the agreed treatment process, or when the client\'92s or a counselor violates the counseling relationship. \'a0Either the counselor or the client is able to end counseling.\'a0 Although, as mental health providers we need to provide a reason for terminating our therapeutic relationship and referral options, as a client\'a0no explanation is needed, a closing session is highly recommended. \'a0\'bfC\'f3mo termina la terapia?\'bfC\'f3mo un consejero decide cuando terminar las sesiones de consejer\'eda o terminar de trabajar con un paciente?Para poder determinar el final de la relaci\'f3n del consejero, debemos comprender las metas y par\'e1metros de la terapia.\'a0 Usualmente durante la evaluaci\'f3n inicial se identifican metas a corto y largo plazo con el cliente, y se discute con el cliente como esas metas ser\'e1n alcanzadas.\'a0 Durante el proceso de terapia el consejero revisa las metas mensual o trimestralmente dependiendo de la frecuencia de las citas.\'a0 Ya que las metas de terapia son alcanzadas, hay una sesi\'f3n de cierre y el cliente puede terminar la terapia.\'a0\'a0 En algunos casos el cliente puede identificar nuevas metas para la terapia y determinar si el mismo consejero u otro consejero le pueden asistir. \
La relaci\'f3n de consejer\'eda tambi\'e9n puede terminar por no conformar o violentar los par\'e1metros \'a0establecidos para la terapia. \'a0\'a0Tanto el consejero como el cliente pueden terminar la relaci\'f3n de terapia.\'a0 Como proveedores de salud mental los consejeros estamos obligados a proveer un raz\'f3n para la conclusi\'f3n del tratamiento y proveer referidos seg\'fan aplique, los clientes no necesitan proveer una explicaci\'f3n, aunque es recomendable discutirlo en una sesi\'f3n de cierre.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "It is usually time to end counseling sessions when it is clear to both the client and the counselor that therapeutic goals have been reached and enough improvement has been made that the client can continue without that support. There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part this is when counselors begin termination. For some clients, this is an easy process that marks the achievements they have made in working through their emotions and difficulties. For some other clients, however, this is a difficult process in which they are losing a valuable support and are understandably anxious about what life will be like without the frequent meetings. Ultimately, termination is different for everyone, and there are many ways that termination can be healthy and helpful.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "As a therapist who believes in client self-determination above most other elements of the process, I want to as much as possible leave it up to the client to determine when they are finished. In the case of a termination because a client's distress has resolved, I might periodically check in with the client about how therapy has been going, and if we want to re-evaluate where we are.The more unfortunate situation would come about if I felt that I wasn't the best fit for the client. I would offer that in words, and ideas of therapists (with names) of who I thought might be a better fit and why. It still is up to the client whether to continue, however should they want to keep seeing me, a part of the work would be about that want (to see someone who professionally doesn't believe they can help as much as someone else.)I also find it perplexing when I hear a client (or on a personal level) tell me that their therapist said they ""didn't need therapy."" I don't know that I buy into that scenario all that much, because I do believe that yes, not everyone NEEDS therapy, but that everyone CAN benefit from therapy and I don't believe it is the therapist's job to deter someone from ever seeking out help of any kind.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Ideally, termination should be a mutual process. It's not that the therapist kicks the client out at some point and says, ""Okay, you're done."" Rather, over time the client will decrease the frequency with which he/she comes to session so that it may start off as weekly, then decrease to biweekly, then perhaps once every three weeks, then once/month and so on. Throughout this process, the therapist and client should have had regular check ins about progress toward goals. If the client feels good about where he/she is in life, he/she might decide to suspend therapy for now. That being said, the therapist should make it very clear that if the client ever decided to return for ""maintenance"" therapy or a check in, he/she would always be welcome.\'a0There is no hard and fast rule to ending or a particular time period in which it must end. What matters most is that the client feels good about it and knows that the therapist will always be there should he/she wish to return.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "For a therapist, deciding to end counseling sessions or terminate working with a client is a thoughtful and intentional decision. One that is not entered into lightly.\'a0While there are many considerations counselors take into account, to help answer this question, I'll offer an example of two areas that counselor's take into consideration when ending counseling sessions:Does the client need different or more specialized care than the current counselor can provide? This requires the counselor to determine whether referring the client to another therapist or health care provider is needed.And, has the therapeutic relationship reached treatment goal(s)?\'a0While this question is specific to the counselor, I'd like to also add that a client, at any time, can end counseling.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In general, I usually let the client decide when this should occur, sometimes with some clients it will be a joint agreement, but even in that case it should weigh mostly on what the client feels. In short, therapy ends when you feel your done.C", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "I will work with clients and continually review progress with them and determine if counseling is helping.\'a0 If a client appears to have less to talk about in sessions, appears more stable for a period of time and has reached therapeutic goals I will talk about termination.\'a0 Some clients however I may continue with on a monthly or bi monthly process to allow for check-ins to see how they are doing and if they need more help at that time.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "There are several reasons for a counselor to decide to end counseling. \'a0A major reason to end counseling is if the counselor feels that he or she does not have the skills or experience to work with the client. \'a0This may happen during the intake process or after working with the client for some time. \'a0If the clinician feels that the client is not benefitting from the therapy, it is ethical to suggest that the client terminate the therapy. \'a0The process of termination must not injure the client and, if necessary, the clinician may need to refer the client to other treatment modalities. \'a0Another reason to terminate working with a client is if the client needs a higher level of care. \'a0If the client has a crisis or is at risk of hurting himself or someone else, he or she may need a higher level of care. \'a0In this circumstance, the clinician may need to involve outside services such as a crisis unit. \'a0A third reason to terminate with a client is if the clinician feels that he or she cannot remain professional with the client relationship. \'a0For example, if the issues that the client is working on bring up something significant for the clinician and the clinician feels that he is unable to separate that from the professional relationship. \'a0In this instance, the clinician should refer the client to another therapist. \'a0Finally, if the client has reached her goals for therapy and no longer needs treatment, the clinician and client should terminate treatment.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Counseling ends when the client has received the maximum benefit from the therapist. Even if the therapist believes the client is not making progress, the client may feel they are improving and receiving a benefit. And the therapist may see a benefit and the client does not. It is best to have ongoing dialogue with the client to determine when termination is appropriate.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Goodbyes can be hard.\
Chances are most of the goodbyes you have experienced in your life have been\
difficult. Saying goodbye to a therapist can be different. It can be an\
opportunity to create a healthy ending in a positive relationship in your life.\
If you work with a therapist who is skilled, then saying goodbye can be just as\
transformative as the therapy itself. Ending therapy is also known\
as \'93termination.\'94 I know, \'93termination\'94 doesn\'92t have a great ring to it!\
However, it is what it is. It is an ending of the relationship as it existed.\
It is reality cold and stark. Of course, when I talk to clients I don\'92t use the\
word \'93termination,\'94 I usually say \'93our goodbye.\'94 \'a0Under what circumstances does therapy usually\
end? Therapy should end when a client does not need further assistance, is not\
receiving any benefit from therapy, or might be harmed by continuing to work\
with a particular therapist.In the best case scenario\
the decision to move on from therapy and \'93say our goodbyes\'94 happens when both\
the therapist and the client feel like the client is ready to move on and move\
up!\'a0 Ending the therapeutic relationship\
should actually be worked on from the very first session. What I mean by that\
is, there should be an understanding that the work we do together will have an\
ending and that is a good thing because it means the client has gained the\
skills to continue working on themselves independently. So the first session I\
have with clients usually outlines a plan where the end goal is discussed and\
we both have an understanding of the skills the client wants to learn or what\
they hope to achieve. Now sometimes there are\
situations where the therapist ends the relationship and the client may take\
that personally, it is hard when any relationship ends and it might bring up\
feelings of sadness, and fear or abandonment. Any good therapist will end the\
relationship based on what is right for the client. What are some situations\
where a therapist might end the relationship?If the situation the client\
is dealing with is out of the therapist's scope of practice, the therapist may\
end the relationship and refer the client to someone else. This is in the\
client\'92s best interest. Another reason a therapist might end the relationship\
is that the therapist is in a place in her life which prevents her from being\
objective and helpful.\'a0 A therapist who\
is going through a painful divorce may have difficulty working with a couple\
that considering divorce. A good therapist may see that their judgement may be\
clouded and want to refer the client to see someone else. This is good practice\
and helps the client.If a client is actively\
suicidal or actively using substances then the therapist may end the\
relationship and refer out for a higher level of care. The client may need to\
be hospitalized or may need an inpatient substance abuse treatment program.\
Therapy may be terminated while they are being treated and may continue after\
the intensive program is completed.\'a0\
Ending therapy should be a\
time for connection and bringing together accomplishments, or reviewing the\
next important step the client needs to take. It should not be an experience of\
abandonment. A skilled therapist will help a client gain a new perspective on\
closure. For some clients, it may be the one time in their lives when they get\
a clean ending in a healthy relationship and they get to feel a sense of\
control on creating that ending.\'a0Good luck to you!", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", | "In the best case scenario, it's a mutual discussion and decision. If not, \'a0I've had the discussion initiated both ways, by me, when I sense the client has gone has far as they want, by lack of interest in accepting or completing homework assignments, missing or cancelling appointments, usually at the last minute, lack of participation during sessions. \'a0Client initiates by asking me pointed questions about why the need for homework assignments,, by forgetting their calendar, or their checkbook :) , by suggesting that we make appointments over longer intervals (once a week to once a month, for example). \'a0I rarely have had to terminate a working relationship--that's why I don't charge for the first visit, so we know if we are a good fit before we start working together. \'a0Then I periodically ask whether the client feels we are making progress, moving in the right direction, talking about the most relevant issues etc.", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
How does counseling end?How does a counselor decide when to end counseling sessions or to terminate working with a client? | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "There are typically three reasons why therapy is terminated:1) Client has met therapy goals2) Client is not progressing\'a03) Therapist is not a good fit for clientIn order to properly assess whether therapy is helping and what progress is being made, the therapist needs to have ways of consistently checking in with clients sessions-by-session to determine what is helping, what isn't, and where the client is at in relation to their original therapy goals. When a client has met their goals, that is a good time to end counselling sessions unless the client has new goals or simply wants to check-in periodically to make sure that they are still on track (sometimes referred to as relapse prevention).\'a0When a client is not progressing, and feedback has been taken and attempts have been made to make the therapy more helpful for the client but to no avail, than it is considered unethical to continue to work with the client. In these circumstances, referring out to another therapist who may be a better fit is a good idea.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "Hello. The end of the counselor/client relationship is one of mutual respect and engagement. Counseling sessions can end for any number of reasons. Among them are the client's inability to make forward progress in therapy; the clinician's inability to help the client (for a variety of reasons); a mutually agreed upon time frame for a number of sessions to be provided; or the financial challenges of the client who decides that they need to put their resources elsewhere. In this last case, a counselor should never cancel sessions with a client simply on the basis of the client's inability to pay. That is traditionally seen as an unethical practice. Other arrangements can be made to provide care to the client, which in itself should be paramount.When the client and therapist decide that services are done, it is best if there is at least one or two more sessions to allow a case file review to occur, and to bring an appropriate psychological sense of closure to the client (and vicariously to the clinician as well, those this is perhaps not as important). This transition gives both a sense of having reached the end of a journey...rather than some abrupt departure from it. (An abrupt ending in therapy can have a varying level of impact both emotionally and psychologically on the client and therapist). Sometimes the closure of therapy is the result of a program of therapy being formally completed, in which there is a mutually known (albeit perhaps approximate) date of when that program will be finished. In this case, the client is likely feeling that impending closure and has time to prepare mentally and emotionally from a place of being the client in therapy, to a place of healing, growth and situational resolution.I have always worked in therapy with the following slogan (if you will), that I learned years ago during graduate school: ""Not every therapist is good for every client, and not every client is good for every therapist."" It is perhaps one of the most important guiding views I hold in working with clients. The therapeutic relationship is driven by mutuality - the desire of the client to get better at living life, and the therapist's desire to truly see the client heal and grow. When there is a block in this process from either side that prevents that synergy from occurring, the relationship that should be established may not be able to form. Or, if already formed, may at some point be unable to move forward. In these instances, referring the client to another type of service or clinician is appropriate. Usually, this can be seen pretty quickly by either party, though sometimes it is not always clear.Ultimately, the client and counselor need to work together to discover if the needs of the client (which is paramount) are being met in the therapeutic engagement with their current counselor, or if other arrangements need to be made to go elsewhere. If both are observant in this process, they can work together to maintain that sacred space and continue to reach the goals that have been set. Eventually, therapy will end, but hopefully based on the client's successful journey to the place where they wanted to go, and thus opening the next chapters of their life to a space that is more whole and brighter.", | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "Hopefully both the client and counselor would together decide when to terminate counseling sessions. It's really helpful for the client to leave counseling with a solid sense of what he or she has accomplished in counseling, so it can be a good idea to spend some time acknowledging that in the last session or sessions. Sometimes, however, a client has needs beyond the scope of the counselor's expertise. That's a good time for a conversation about those needs and ideas of \'a0how best to meet them, whether by adding in care with an additional mental health professional or transferring care entirely to a new mental health provider.", | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "There are different reasons why a counselor may seek to terminate with a client and these will each have different processes by which the counselor will come to that decision. Here are a few examples.\'a0The counselor may determine that the client's needs are outside what the counselor is competent to be able to work with. A person may have come to the counselor talking about a particular issue but either when they first met or as counseling progressed, it may become clear that the issue is in fact something different or that there is an additional related issue. If that issue is outside the competence of the counselor, the counselor should look for alternatives, the most common of which would be to terminate and refer. Beyond clinical issues, this could also come up around particular other related facts, such as the culture of the client or linguistic issues. This could also be the choice of the counselor if they know someone that they feel would be a better match for the client's issues.\'a0Another reason for discharge (and possible referral) would be if the relationship does not seem to be a good fit. No counselor is the right person to work with everyone. If the right level of connection is not happening, the counselor will often look first at what they are doing, might talk about it with the client and ultimately will admit that things don't seem to be working to allow the desired therapeutic process to work. A similar process would be followed if the counselor determined that the client might not yet be ready for counseling as evidenced by lack of engagement such as frequent cancellations, not doing any agreed on work between sessions, showing up late or being really guarded in session.\'a0The easiest situation to decide on is when a person has met their counseling goals and have nothing new that they are working on. While this is the easiest one to determine, it is also probably the hardest one for the counselor as they may be like the client in not wanting the relationship to come to an end. However, counselors know that this is part of the process. They will also determine this by regularly reviewing the treatment plan or by sending in the sessions that the work has come to an end. This type of termination maybe final or may be with the intent that the client will return later to address other things that have been identified but for which they are not ready to move into.\'a0All of these (and other) situations involves the counselor being open to the relationship ending, to monitoring how things are going, then engaging in self reflection, possibly talking with the client and then coming to a conclusion on which the counselor \'a0follows through.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "From the very beginning of counseling sessions I emphasize that the work will and must end at some point.In counseling there is an arc to the process. A beginning, middle and end.\'a0I am always digging, searching and exploring.\'a0There comes a point where things come to there natural ending.I always leave an opening for continuing counseling in the future. At least as a check in.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | For most:\'a0 When the money/insurance runs out.When best:\'a0 When the job is done... and you're feeling much better., |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "To be able to identify a clear ending to a counseling relationship, we must have a clear understanding of the goals and limitations of treatment.\'a0 Usually, during the initial evaluation, I identify my client\'92s short term and long term therapy goals.\'a0 As therapy progress, we verify goals on a monthly to a quarterly basis, depending on the frequency of the appointments.\'a0 Once the therapy goals have been met, there is a closing session, the counseling relationship is ended, and the client can stop attending sessions.\'a0 In some cases, the client can also establish new goals and determine if I am a good fit for their therapy needs or if they need a new provider, in which case I provide multiple referrals.The counseling relationship could also end due to other factors like noncompliance= when a client is not committed to the agreed treatment process, or when the client\'92s or a counselor violates the counseling relationship. \'a0Either the counselor or the client is able to end counseling.\'a0 Although, as mental health providers we need to provide a reason for terminating our therapeutic relationship and referral options, as a client\'a0no explanation is needed, a closing session is highly recommended. \'a0\'bfC\'f3mo termina la terapia?\'bfC\'f3mo un consejero decide cuando terminar las sesiones de consejer\'eda o terminar de trabajar con un paciente?Para poder determinar el final de la relaci\'f3n del consejero, debemos comprender las metas y par\'e1metros de la terapia.\'a0 Usualmente durante la evaluaci\'f3n inicial se identifican metas a corto y largo plazo con el cliente, y se discute con el cliente como esas metas ser\'e1n alcanzadas.\'a0 Durante el proceso de terapia el consejero revisa las metas mensual o trimestralmente dependiendo de la frecuencia de las citas.\'a0 Ya que las metas de terapia son alcanzadas, hay una sesi\'f3n de cierre y el cliente puede terminar la terapia.\'a0\'a0 En algunos casos el cliente puede identificar nuevas metas para la terapia y determinar si el mismo consejero u otro consejero le pueden asistir. \
La relaci\'f3n de consejer\'eda tambi\'e9n puede terminar por no conformar o violentar los par\'e1metros \'a0establecidos para la terapia. \'a0\'a0Tanto el consejero como el cliente pueden terminar la relaci\'f3n de terapia.\'a0 Como proveedores de salud mental los consejeros estamos obligados a proveer un raz\'f3n para la conclusi\'f3n del tratamiento y proveer referidos seg\'fan aplique, los clientes no necesitan proveer una explicaci\'f3n, aunque es recomendable discutirlo en una sesi\'f3n de cierre.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "It is usually time to end counseling sessions when it is clear to both the client and the counselor that therapeutic goals have been reached and enough improvement has been made that the client can continue without that support. There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part this is when counselors begin termination. For some clients, this is an easy process that marks the achievements they have made in working through their emotions and difficulties. For some other clients, however, this is a difficult process in which they are losing a valuable support and are understandably anxious about what life will be like without the frequent meetings. Ultimately, termination is different for everyone, and there are many ways that termination can be healthy and helpful.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "As a therapist who believes in client self-determination above most other elements of the process, I want to as much as possible leave it up to the client to determine when they are finished. In the case of a termination because a client's distress has resolved, I might periodically check in with the client about how therapy has been going, and if we want to re-evaluate where we are.The more unfortunate situation would come about if I felt that I wasn't the best fit for the client. I would offer that in words, and ideas of therapists (with names) of who I thought might be a better fit and why. It still is up to the client whether to continue, however should they want to keep seeing me, a part of the work would be about that want (to see someone who professionally doesn't believe they can help as much as someone else.)I also find it perplexing when I hear a client (or on a personal level) tell me that their therapist said they ""didn't need therapy."" I don't know that I buy into that scenario all that much, because I do believe that yes, not everyone NEEDS therapy, but that everyone CAN benefit from therapy and I don't believe it is the therapist's job to deter someone from ever seeking out help of any kind.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "Ideally, termination should be a mutual process. It's not that the therapist kicks the client out at some point and says, ""Okay, you're done."" Rather, over time the client will decrease the frequency with which he/she comes to session so that it may start off as weekly, then decrease to biweekly, then perhaps once every three weeks, then once/month and so on. Throughout this process, the therapist and client should have had regular check ins about progress toward goals. If the client feels good about where he/she is in life, he/she might decide to suspend therapy for now. That being said, the therapist should make it very clear that if the client ever decided to return for ""maintenance"" therapy or a check in, he/she would always be welcome.\'a0There is no hard and fast rule to ending or a particular time period in which it must end. What matters most is that the client feels good about it and knows that the therapist will always be there should he/she wish to return.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "For a therapist, deciding to end counseling sessions or terminate working with a client is a thoughtful and intentional decision. One that is not entered into lightly.\'a0While there are many considerations counselors take into account, to help answer this question, I'll offer an example of two areas that counselor's take into consideration when ending counseling sessions:Does the client need different or more specialized care than the current counselor can provide? This requires the counselor to determine whether referring the client to another therapist or health care provider is needed.And, has the therapeutic relationship reached treatment goal(s)?\'a0While this question is specific to the counselor, I'd like to also add that a client, at any time, can end counseling.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "In general, I usually let the client decide when this should occur, sometimes with some clients it will be a joint agreement, but even in that case it should weigh mostly on what the client feels. In short, therapy ends when you feel your done.C", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "I will work with clients and continually review progress with them and determine if counseling is helping.\'a0 If a client appears to have less to talk about in sessions, appears more stable for a period of time and has reached therapeutic goals I will talk about termination.\'a0 Some clients however I may continue with on a monthly or bi monthly process to allow for check-ins to see how they are doing and if they need more help at that time.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "There are several reasons for a counselor to decide to end counseling. \'a0A major reason to end counseling is if the counselor feels that he or she does not have the skills or experience to work with the client. \'a0This may happen during the intake process or after working with the client for some time. \'a0If the clinician feels that the client is not benefitting from the therapy, it is ethical to suggest that the client terminate the therapy. \'a0The process of termination must not injure the client and, if necessary, the clinician may need to refer the client to other treatment modalities. \'a0Another reason to terminate working with a client is if the client needs a higher level of care. \'a0If the client has a crisis or is at risk of hurting himself or someone else, he or she may need a higher level of care. \'a0In this circumstance, the clinician may need to involve outside services such as a crisis unit. \'a0A third reason to terminate with a client is if the clinician feels that he or she cannot remain professional with the client relationship. \'a0For example, if the issues that the client is working on bring up something significant for the clinician and the clinician feels that he is unable to separate that from the professional relationship. \'a0In this instance, the clinician should refer the client to another therapist. \'a0Finally, if the client has reached her goals for therapy and no longer needs treatment, the clinician and client should terminate treatment.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "Counseling ends when the client has received the maximum benefit from the therapist. Even if the therapist believes the client is not making progress, the client may feel they are improving and receiving a benefit. And the therapist may see a benefit and the client does not. It is best to have ongoing dialogue with the client to determine when termination is appropriate.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "Goodbyes can be hard.\
Chances are most of the goodbyes you have experienced in your life have been\
difficult. Saying goodbye to a therapist can be different. It can be an\
opportunity to create a healthy ending in a positive relationship in your life.\
If you work with a therapist who is skilled, then saying goodbye can be just as\
transformative as the therapy itself. Ending therapy is also known\
as \'93termination.\'94 I know, \'93termination\'94 doesn\'92t have a great ring to it!\
However, it is what it is. It is an ending of the relationship as it existed.\
It is reality cold and stark. Of course, when I talk to clients I don\'92t use the\
word \'93termination,\'94 I usually say \'93our goodbye.\'94 \'a0Under what circumstances does therapy usually\
end? Therapy should end when a client does not need further assistance, is not\
receiving any benefit from therapy, or might be harmed by continuing to work\
with a particular therapist.In the best case scenario\
the decision to move on from therapy and \'93say our goodbyes\'94 happens when both\
the therapist and the client feel like the client is ready to move on and move\
up!\'a0 Ending the therapeutic relationship\
should actually be worked on from the very first session. What I mean by that\
is, there should be an understanding that the work we do together will have an\
ending and that is a good thing because it means the client has gained the\
skills to continue working on themselves independently. So the first session I\
have with clients usually outlines a plan where the end goal is discussed and\
we both have an understanding of the skills the client wants to learn or what\
they hope to achieve. Now sometimes there are\
situations where the therapist ends the relationship and the client may take\
that personally, it is hard when any relationship ends and it might bring up\
feelings of sadness, and fear or abandonment. Any good therapist will end the\
relationship based on what is right for the client. What are some situations\
where a therapist might end the relationship?If the situation the client\
is dealing with is out of the therapist's scope of practice, the therapist may\
end the relationship and refer the client to someone else. This is in the\
client\'92s best interest. Another reason a therapist might end the relationship\
is that the therapist is in a place in her life which prevents her from being\
objective and helpful.\'a0 A therapist who\
is going through a painful divorce may have difficulty working with a couple\
that considering divorce. A good therapist may see that their judgement may be\
clouded and want to refer the client to see someone else. This is good practice\
and helps the client.If a client is actively\
suicidal or actively using substances then the therapist may end the\
relationship and refer out for a higher level of care. The client may need to\
be hospitalized or may need an inpatient substance abuse treatment program.\
Therapy may be terminated while they are being treated and may continue after\
the intensive program is completed.\'a0\
Ending therapy should be a\
time for connection and bringing together accomplishments, or reviewing the\
next important step the client needs to take. It should not be an experience of\
abandonment. A skilled therapist will help a client gain a new perspective on\
closure. For some clients, it may be the one time in their lives when they get\
a clean ending in a healthy relationship and they get to feel a sense of\
control on creating that ending.\'a0Good luck to you!", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "In the best case scenario, it's a mutual discussion and decision. If not, \'a0I've had the discussion initiated both ways, by me, when I sense the client has gone has far as they want, by lack of interest in accepting or completing homework assignments, missing or cancelling appointments, usually at the last minute, lack of participation during sessions. \'a0Client initiates by asking me pointed questions about why the need for homework assignments,, by forgetting their calendar, or their checkbook :) , by suggesting that we make appointments over longer intervals (once a week to once a month, for example). \'a0I rarely have had to terminate a working relationship--that's why I don't charge for the first visit, so we know if we are a good fit before we start working together. \'a0Then I periodically ask whether the client feels we are making progress, moving in the right direction, talking about the most relevant issues etc.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "In my therapy practice the decision to end therapy is mutually made together with the patient.Otherwise, the person can end up with a sense of tremendous rejection and abandonment.The way you'll both know therapy is coming to a close is that the discussion will feel lighter and move easily.The person's mood will be better, they will smile more, sit in their seat in a more relaxed way, look more at ease, take better care of their appearance.One of the ways to end therapy is to gradually decrease the frequency of the sessions.Sometimes people who are in my practice start to come each three weeks, then monthly, then every three months.This gives a sense of security, friendliness, and casualness to the therapy, and de-medicalizes it as though the person was treated for a medical symptom and the symptom stops completely one day.Talk therapy is about life and life problems usually end gradually.I end my therapy in a way which mirrors the life process in which many interaction and situation problems show their effects gradually and show different effects over time.", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "Hi there,\'a0There are a number of reasons why a therapeutic relationship might end including, but not limited to the client reaching their goals, the client reaching a place of acceptance where they wish to remain or even a breach within the relationship. \'a0The last aspect should likely be taken to supervision in order to be fully processed. \'a0All of these things could happen, and usually happen organically (again, except for the last example).\'a0Your question, however, was about the counselor ending treatment. This is a bit more difficult and can be very nerve-wracking. \'a0It may be beneficial to take this with you to supervision, as well. \'a0It's important to understand why you feel the need to end or terminate with the client, as well. Do you feel that they would be better suited for another therapist, have they achieved their goals or is it something else?In regular, open-ended sessions, I try to make a point of checking in with the clients fairly frequently. In these check-ins, I use the time to ask the client how they feel about the sessions and if there is anything they wish to focus on more astutely. \'a0I also ask if they have any immediate goals that they would like to prioritize. \'a0In goal-oriented sessions, I check in more frequently to ensure that both the client and I remain focused and, should they wish to shift their focus, that they recognize it is part of my responsibilities to make sure we move back to the desired goal.\'a0Often, especially in longer term therapeutic relationships, we as clinicians can see that the client has reached their goal, however they are apprehensive about ending therapy. \'a0This is actually a great place to go with them; why would they feel unable to handle issues in their external or internal environment without you? Often, having this open discussion can increase empowerment and mastery. That said, it could also highlight other issues which the client may have been apprehensive about going into within therapy and now, as the relationship seems to be ending, feels more confident in bringing these up.\'a0In the case where the relationship is a toxic one, terminating with a client may be the best option for both of you. It's a difficult conversation, but recall that part of the role of the therapist is to model that these discomforts can be managed.\'a0I hope that this brief response can assist you going forward!", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "I'm sorry to hear that this has\'a0happened.\'a0Counselors are legally\'a0and ethically required to make sure that they always put the wellbeing of their clients above their own interests.\'a0In addition, counselor ethical rules, and the laws in just about every state, make it illegal for counselors to take advantage of\'a0a client financially.\'a0A counselor borrowing money from a client (even if the counselor\'a0pays it back) would\'a0usually be considered to be taking advantage of the client.There are a few options you have at this point if\'a0you can't (or don't want) to continue to try to contact him directly. You can file a complaint with your states' regulatory board and let them\'a0know what has happened.\'a0\'a0An investigator will then look into the situation for you.\'a0 Another option would be for you to find a different counsleor who can provide you with an independent and netural point of view to help you figure out how you want to handle this situation.", | "This is a question that is very specific to each person. There are definitely some variables, but I can give you some general ideas for when counseling might end:When a client has met all of their goals, at least to a degree when they feel that they no longer need to work on them with the assistance of a counselorSometimes a decision is made that a client is no longer benefiting from counseling at a certain timeSometimes clients have to remain in counseling in order to receive medication. This depends on agency policy, but sometimes it is a requirement. If the medication is necessary and cannot be prescribed by a primary care physician, frequency of sessions is usually decreased greatlyI'm not sure why you are asking this question, but it is also something that is often discussed at the beginning of treatment. Oftentimes ""discharge goals"" change as treatment progresses because more is known about clients, their goals, changes in their goals, and many other things. Changes are normal, but your counselor probably has discharge goals in mind, at least generally, from the beginning. I strongly encourage you to ask about it!", |
My therapist betrayed my trust"My therapist is gay so there are no sexual issues here. However my therapist for six years has made me believe that he cares about me and that we are friends. I have loaned money to him many times and he always paid me back.\
I had a medical emergency last weekend and I was heavily medicated. I knew that this therapist came into my home and wrote down my credit card information so he could pay back what he owed me but this therapist dropped me off and never came again. I don't know what to do." | "Do you want this therapist to have your credit card information?If not, then cancel the credit cards that you believe may now be accessible to this therapist.Therapists are expected to keep very clear boundaries between the therapy work and not have other relationships, such as ""friend"" or ""money lender"" with someone who is their patient.Therapists are never ""friends"" with their patients.Letting you believe that you are the therapist's friend, is a violation of professional ethics and almost definitely, a violation of the Consumer Protection laws in your State.Start by dropping this person as your therapist. \'a0He has broken too many ethical standards to be worthy of offering therapy.Think over if you'd like remaining friends with this person, whom you describe as lacking integrity and stealing from you.If you need help getting back money from him, then contact the police and talk to a detective about what has happened so far. \'a0The detective will advise according to the laws in your community and State, whether to file a police report, and what steps are necessary to utilize the Court system to get back your funds.If you'd like doing future patients who may be treated to similar ways by this therapist, a favor, go online and file a complaint with the therapist's Licensing Board.Good luck!", | "Therapists, regardless of the discipline (i.e. licensed professional counselor, social worker, psychologist) are expected to put the health and well-being of the client first. Each professional discipline does have a code of ethics as well as a licensing board in each state. In order to get licensed the therapist must agree to abide by the highest standards of conduct including state, local and federal regulations in addition to the code of conduct. You do have the option of reporting this person to the appropriate licencing board in your state. The other concern is if this person has unauthorized access to your credit card. If you did not give it to him or authorize use this becomes a legal matter that you can also report to the legal authorities in your city or town. Therapy and counseling are effective because professionals gain the trust of the client. Betrayal of that trust by crossing boundaries and developing a relationship outside the therapist/client relationship is hurtful. Please know that the vast majority of counselors are highly ethical individuals who put the welfare of the client first.", |
Is it appropriate to give my counselor a bottle of wine for Christmas?"I am an international student and it is my first semester in graduate school in the United States. I faced a cultural shock and I was so depressed when I arrived here. My counselor in the university was my savior. He helped me a great deal. Now I am going back to my country for a vacation. I was thinking to get him something special with my country's name on it and I remembered that he likes wine. My country is known for that. Is it appropriate to give him wine as a gift after Christmas?" | "I don't think it's appropriate to give your counselor a bottle of wine. Your counselor helped you and supported you, which is great, But a gift is inappropriate. I can understand that you want to show your gratitude. There are many other ways to do that. You could drop your counselor a note or card, thank him in person, or tell him how much he helped you. These small gestures can be very meaningful for both of you.", | "Hi,\'a0Different therapists are guided by the ethical guidelines of their own associations or colleges when it comes to receiving gifts, so this may differ a bit from therapist to therapist. It's important to me that I be sensitive to cultural norms, and to my client's needs. In Canada, and the US, it is customary for people to sometimes express gratitude with a small gift, and I have from time to time received small tokens of appreciation because I believe it would be rude to refuse this. It is never necessary to give a therapist a gift, but if you wish to express your gratitude in this way, I don't think it's inappropriate.", |
How can I be less stressed?I need help dealing with stress. How can I handle it all and feel less stressed out? | "Part of handling stress is making sure that your perception of the stress is accurate. Sometimes stress can seem more than it really is. One thing that I encourage my clients to do is to ask themselves, ""What is this stressor really about?"" Simplifying stress is a key to minimizing stress and leads to feeling less stressed out.", | "There are many causes for feeling stressed out. Between a demanding job, family responsibilities, and everything else that can come up, stress becomes more and more part of our everyday life. One of the best ways to combat the toxic effects of stress on our bodies, social lives, and overall well being is to engage in self-care. But not the self-care that most people think of like vacations or massages. The best self-care is the kind that helps you live the life that you already have rather than escape it. You see, the reason why vacations and massages don't work long term in reducing stress is that they allow you to escape from what is causing the stress without truly fixing it so you just return to what already stressed you out. So, instead you need to find ways to help live with the stressors that you already have. They can be things like creating a more manageable schedule, introducing healthy eating or exercising, financial planning, and even learning a few simple relaxation skills. The key to combatting stress is to make small but consistent changes to your life so that it becomes more manageable and more enjoyable.", |
How can I be less stressed?I need help knowing how to deal with stress. What can I do? | "Learn how to meditate. I recommend a Mindful Based Stress Reduction MBSR program.", | "Our body reacts to stress typically by breathing more shallowly, increasing our heart rate and tensing our muscles - so one thing that I find really effective is to try to do the opposite of that, which sends the signal to our mind that we are relaxed. So that means, taking slower, fuller breaths and trying to relax any areas where we might be gripping our muscles. Check out meditation apps such as 'Breathe', which can talk you through a relaxing breath exercise. I recommend using the app daily, whether you feel stressed or not, and then also using it when you re feeling particular moments of stress - that way you are practicing the skill when you feel calm(wish) and it'll be ready and able to help you when stress hits hard.", |
Why do I always get ignored by people?"Every time I send a message to someone or a group message on Instagram iMessage or snapchat people will read my messages but then they won't answer me. Could it be that there is something they don't like about me? I don't understand why they won't answer my messages. How do I get people to respond to me?" | "Sorry to hear your friends aren't responding to you. If these friends are in-person as well as online, perhaps going to them in person and asking talking to them about your concern. Perhaps it's the way you send messages or the way they are receiving them. if they say no, then a simple request to respond to your messages. Measure the result and notice if there are even small differences.\'a0Also understand, why this is so important to you. Ask yourself, why it's so important for you to receive these messages from friends. What does it mean when they don't respond.", | "I'm sorry that you are having a difficult time.I wonder about how your friendships are in person. If you get along well with people and have effective conversations with them face-to-face, there could be some kind of technology-related problem.Have you tried gently talking to people about how you send a message and they didn't answer? If you can phrase it in such a way that they recognize that you are asking for information and not blaming them for not answering you, that could be effective.I'd also encourage you to consider how much this is bothering you. If it is causing a significant amount of anxiety (say, more than 5/10 if 10 is really anxious), I would suggest talking with a local therapist.In the meantime, consider talking about this with someone you trust to whom you can get more details to get a more specific answer.", |
How do I learn to let go of past problems and live one day at a time?I would like to be able to have more positive relationships in the present. | "Would you describe yourself as sensitive to your surroundings and emotions?If yes, this may explain why letting go of past problems, is itself a problem.The dynamic of living one day at a time and letting go of past problems, is more imaginary and wishful than real.It is a popular notion of TV, FB, and media.Doing the letting go, has nothing to do with what is actually possible to do.Problems are not ""let go"", they are resolved somehow.Living one day at a time isn't possible for anyone who has consciousness. \'a0No one can really disconnect from reality every day on which they wake up.Instead of trying to do the impossible which is promoted online and in media, allow yourself time to recognize what went into creating a problem in your life, in the first place. \'a0Understanding problems leads to peacefulness and resolution. \'a0Then you will have more freedom to make new relationships.Also, be patient with this process and yourself.If you have deep attachment to painful situations in your life, then possibly now is your time for understanding what went wrong.This is a process which cannot be rushed if it is to be done well.If it is done thoroughly, then you very naturally will bring new relationships into your life.And life will no longer feel so painful that you can only manage ""one day at a time"" without hurting. \'a0You won't need to forget what happened yesterday.", | "Hi Chapel Hill,\'a0I like your goal; research is telling us more and more that one of the most important keys to happiness is having healthy relationships. If we feel successful in that area, it can give us the confidence and hope to tackle anything life throws at us.There are personal barriers we all have to having healthy relationships; it's our ""stuff"", our ""baggage"" (not a steam trunk, right...you have a cute little Gucci bag!).\'a0You hint that people may have hurt you in the past. Maybe fear says ""stay away...hold onto resentment or you will be hurt again!"". Resentment, or simply focusing on the past is certainly a barrier to improving any relationship. Learning to forgive ourselves and others is so important. And remember...forgiveness isn't about saying something was okay; it only means ""It happened, I can't change that, and I don't want to carry it (anger, hurt, resentment) around anymore, so I let it go.""\'a0Or...sometimes fear tells us that people won't accept us; this keeps us isolated for sure! But really, all fear wants is power over us.\'a0Fear is a trickster! It tells us that if we let go of the past, we will be rejected or hurt. It says ""I'm trying to protect you!"", but what it REALLY\'a0wants is to paralyze and isolate us all so it can feel powerful. Once you pull the\'a0sheeps clothing off of fear, you can see that it doesn't help you at all!Once you see where your personal barriers are, and you start to refute those thoughts in your mind, you can begin to build new ideas about yourself and other people that are based on compassion instead of fear...\'a0Everyone deserves forgiveness and compassion.No one deserves to be judged by their worst moments.If I look in the rearview mirror, I can't move forward.We are all beautifully imperfect.I can't change the past, but I have the power to make the future good.I wish you the best on your journey!", |
How do I learn to let go of past problems and live one day at a time?I would like to be able to have more positive relationships in the present. | "Would you describe yourself as sensitive to your surroundings and emotions?If yes, this may explain why letting go of past problems, is itself a problem.The dynamic of living one day at a time and letting go of past problems, is more imaginary and wishful than real.It is a popular notion of TV, FB, and media.Doing the letting go, has nothing to do with what is actually possible to do.Problems are not ""let go"", they are resolved somehow.Living one day at a time isn't possible for anyone who has consciousness. \'a0No one can really disconnect from reality every day on which they wake up.Instead of trying to do the impossible which is promoted online and in media, allow yourself time to recognize what went into creating a problem in your life, in the first place. \'a0Understanding problems leads to peacefulness and resolution. \'a0Then you will have more freedom to make new relationships.Also, be patient with this process and yourself.If you have deep attachment to painful situations in your life, then possibly now is your time for understanding what went wrong.This is a process which cannot be rushed if it is to be done well.If it is done thoroughly, then you very naturally will bring new relationships into your life.And life will no longer feel so painful that you can only manage ""one day at a time"" without hurting. \'a0You won't need to forget what happened yesterday.", | "Take one day at a time!!!\'a0 Each day do things that make you happy, moves to a positive place, focusing on the future, give you a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.\'a0 Journal at the end of the day of how well you did that day in focusing on these things.\'a0 Each day should be a step better than the previous day.\'a0 You will have days that you didn't do as well....that is human and OK.\'a0 Just get back on track the next day....At the end of the week, review how well you did and give your self a grade.\'a0 If did well, you deserve ice cream, etc.\'a0 If not so good, OK....tell yourself next week ""got to focus one day at a time"".\'a0 You can do it....it takes practice but will get better each day,\'a0 I wish you happy days and happy future...", |
How do I learn to let go of past problems and live one day at a time?I would like to be able to have more positive relationships in the present. | "Would you describe yourself as sensitive to your surroundings and emotions?If yes, this may explain why letting go of past problems, is itself a problem.The dynamic of living one day at a time and letting go of past problems, is more imaginary and wishful than real.It is a popular notion of TV, FB, and media.Doing the letting go, has nothing to do with what is actually possible to do.Problems are not ""let go"", they are resolved somehow.Living one day at a time isn't possible for anyone who has consciousness. \'a0No one can really disconnect from reality every day on which they wake up.Instead of trying to do the impossible which is promoted online and in media, allow yourself time to recognize what went into creating a problem in your life, in the first place. \'a0Understanding problems leads to peacefulness and resolution. \'a0Then you will have more freedom to make new relationships.Also, be patient with this process and yourself.If you have deep attachment to painful situations in your life, then possibly now is your time for understanding what went wrong.This is a process which cannot be rushed if it is to be done well.If it is done thoroughly, then you very naturally will bring new relationships into your life.And life will no longer feel so painful that you can only manage ""one day at a time"" without hurting. \'a0You won't need to forget what happened yesterday.", | "Remember, the past no longer exists and the future is just an illusion as we don't know what will happen tomorrow, so take the present as your guide. That is all we can do, so keep saying this to yourself and try to help someone each day.\'a0 The happiness is helping others to feel a bit better.", |
How do I learn to let go of past problems and live one day at a time?I would like to be able to have more positive relationships in the present. | "Hi Chapel Hill,\'a0I like your goal; research is telling us more and more that one of the most important keys to happiness is having healthy relationships. If we feel successful in that area, it can give us the confidence and hope to tackle anything life throws at us.There are personal barriers we all have to having healthy relationships; it's our ""stuff"", our ""baggage"" (not a steam trunk, right...you have a cute little Gucci bag!).\'a0You hint that people may have hurt you in the past. Maybe fear says ""stay away...hold onto resentment or you will be hurt again!"". Resentment, or simply focusing on the past is certainly a barrier to improving any relationship. Learning to forgive ourselves and others is so important. And remember...forgiveness isn't about saying something was okay; it only means ""It happened, I can't change that, and I don't want to carry it (anger, hurt, resentment) around anymore, so I let it go.""\'a0Or...sometimes fear tells us that people won't accept us; this keeps us isolated for sure! But really, all fear wants is power over us.\'a0Fear is a trickster! It tells us that if we let go of the past, we will be rejected or hurt. It says ""I'm trying to protect you!"", but what it REALLY\'a0wants is to paralyze and isolate us all so it can feel powerful. Once you pull the\'a0sheeps clothing off of fear, you can see that it doesn't help you at all!Once you see where your personal barriers are, and you start to refute those thoughts in your mind, you can begin to build new ideas about yourself and other people that are based on compassion instead of fear...\'a0Everyone deserves forgiveness and compassion.No one deserves to be judged by their worst moments.If I look in the rearview mirror, I can't move forward.We are all beautifully imperfect.I can't change the past, but I have the power to make the future good.I wish you the best on your journey!", | "Take one day at a time!!!\'a0 Each day do things that make you happy, moves to a positive place, focusing on the future, give you a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.\'a0 Journal at the end of the day of how well you did that day in focusing on these things.\'a0 Each day should be a step better than the previous day.\'a0 You will have days that you didn't do as well....that is human and OK.\'a0 Just get back on track the next day....At the end of the week, review how well you did and give your self a grade.\'a0 If did well, you deserve ice cream, etc.\'a0 If not so good, OK....tell yourself next week ""got to focus one day at a time"".\'a0 You can do it....it takes practice but will get better each day,\'a0 I wish you happy days and happy future...", |
How do I learn to let go of past problems and live one day at a time?I would like to be able to have more positive relationships in the present. | "Hi Chapel Hill,\'a0I like your goal; research is telling us more and more that one of the most important keys to happiness is having healthy relationships. If we feel successful in that area, it can give us the confidence and hope to tackle anything life throws at us.There are personal barriers we all have to having healthy relationships; it's our ""stuff"", our ""baggage"" (not a steam trunk, right...you have a cute little Gucci bag!).\'a0You hint that people may have hurt you in the past. Maybe fear says ""stay away...hold onto resentment or you will be hurt again!"". Resentment, or simply focusing on the past is certainly a barrier to improving any relationship. Learning to forgive ourselves and others is so important. And remember...forgiveness isn't about saying something was okay; it only means ""It happened, I can't change that, and I don't want to carry it (anger, hurt, resentment) around anymore, so I let it go.""\'a0Or...sometimes fear tells us that people won't accept us; this keeps us isolated for sure! But really, all fear wants is power over us.\'a0Fear is a trickster! It tells us that if we let go of the past, we will be rejected or hurt. It says ""I'm trying to protect you!"", but what it REALLY\'a0wants is to paralyze and isolate us all so it can feel powerful. Once you pull the\'a0sheeps clothing off of fear, you can see that it doesn't help you at all!Once you see where your personal barriers are, and you start to refute those thoughts in your mind, you can begin to build new ideas about yourself and other people that are based on compassion instead of fear...\'a0Everyone deserves forgiveness and compassion.No one deserves to be judged by their worst moments.If I look in the rearview mirror, I can't move forward.We are all beautifully imperfect.I can't change the past, but I have the power to make the future good.I wish you the best on your journey!", | "Remember, the past no longer exists and the future is just an illusion as we don't know what will happen tomorrow, so take the present as your guide. That is all we can do, so keep saying this to yourself and try to help someone each day.\'a0 The happiness is helping others to feel a bit better.", |
How do I learn to let go of past problems and live one day at a time?I would like to be able to have more positive relationships in the present. | "Take one day at a time!!!\'a0 Each day do things that make you happy, moves to a positive place, focusing on the future, give you a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.\'a0 Journal at the end of the day of how well you did that day in focusing on these things.\'a0 Each day should be a step better than the previous day.\'a0 You will have days that you didn't do as well....that is human and OK.\'a0 Just get back on track the next day....At the end of the week, review how well you did and give your self a grade.\'a0 If did well, you deserve ice cream, etc.\'a0 If not so good, OK....tell yourself next week ""got to focus one day at a time"".\'a0 You can do it....it takes practice but will get better each day,\'a0 I wish you happy days and happy future...", | "Remember, the past no longer exists and the future is just an illusion as we don't know what will happen tomorrow, so take the present as your guide. That is all we can do, so keep saying this to yourself and try to help someone each day.\'a0 The happiness is helping others to feel a bit better.", |
How do I deal with bullying at school?"I've been bullied for years and the teachers have done nothing about it. I haven't been diagnosed with depression but i have been extremely sad for years.\
How can I deal with being bullied at school when the teachers won't help?" | "Teachers don't do anything about it due to liability of the school (school and faculty would get sued and have claims made against them); wouldn't expect much out of them;Couple things:1) Realize that bullies accuse others of the very crimes they are doing themselves;2) Bullies aren't actually all that weak as others have said, but do not stand up against constant pressure of truth-telling;3) Research yourself, or pay someone, to locate the bully's mother and father, and let them know what you have experienced (by way of text, phone, letter, etc.);4) Access your own mother and father and tell them what you have experienced, and see if they will help;Long term, society must return to a more masculine way of being such that these sorts of troubles are dealt with at the home :)Learn to be man/woman, and watch the magic happen.", | "To be bullied is very painful.I'm glad you know the bullies are doing the wrong thing and whatever they are telling you is pure meanness.Depending on how independent you feel, why not tell either your classroom teacher or schedule an appointment with the vice principal?Bullying other students is taken very seriously in some states and schools are expected to address the bullying until the victimized student feels safe.If you hesitate to do this on your own, then would you ask either of your parents or even a friend of yours who is also in the school, to report the problem?In case you are afraid the bullies will retaliate for reporting them, then tell this to whatever school authority you decide to ask for help.You're entitled to be protected by your school.", |
The child I nanny hates me!"I nanny a three year old. When he wakes up in the morning he calls out for someone to come get him. If I am the one to go get him out of bed he gets really upset and refuses to let me near him. He screams that he wants his mom or dad (they work from home). The rest of the day he loves me. But not in the mornings.\
What can I do?" | "Be lighthearted, this toddler may not be a morning person! He is most likely wanting to connect with either parent when he arises in the morning. It could be helpful to talk with his parents and establish a routine that he would be comfortable with.", | "It is very likely the child is upset by the fact that the parents have left, more than that he hates you in particular.The fact that by afternoon he is happy with you shows more likelihood that he reacts to the parents departure more than who you are.", |
How can I see my base doctor without my ID?I need to get on base to see my doctor. My ID card was in my wallet which was stolen. I\'m unable to reach my husband at this time. He is only one who can take me on base in order to get a new ID so I can continue to see doctor. Is there anything I can do? | "Do you have any other form of identification? The first place to stop would be the Visitor\'92s Center or whichever department issues passes. They are located outside of the gate so you do not need a military ID to enter. If you have another form of identification it\'92s possible that they can give you a pass in order to go and obtain a new military ID.\'a0If you do not, you could always ask someone else to sponsor you on (a friend, coworker, etc.) that have military access. Depending on the threat level, they may not need your ID as long as you are with someone that has access. Keep in mind that currently (6/11/15) all military bases are on Bravo which unfortunately means you will need your own ID.Finally, if all else fails, call your doctor and explain your situation. I\'92m sure they would be more than willing to discuss your options.Also, it\'92s important to make sure that you report your wallet being stolen if you haven\'92t already. Security Forces on base can help you with this and to ensure your ID doesn\'92t get into the wrong hands.\'a0Good luck!", | "As a prior military spouse myself I can happily report that you have several options in this case. First, you can go to the visitors center and let them know what has happened to get a temporary pass for a new id. Also, you can call the squadron commander or other official from your husband's unit to get them to tell you how to proceed. You can also contact the military personnel flight for more information The best thing is to get a new id as soon as you can. There should be no problems because it was stolen and yu might need to report it to the military police or security forces on base.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", | "This must be so difficult for both of you. \'a0Watching someone you love suffer so profoundly can bring up lots of difficult feelings. \'a0Without knowing what you are already doing, I have a few thoughts to share with you.\'a0First and foremost, know that you cannot fix this for him, and get support for yourself.As much as you are able, make space in your relationship for him to talk about what he is experiencing. \'a0He might not want to talk, and that is ok.If he wants to talk, try to listen without judgement and without trying to talk him out of his feelings. \'a0Focus on validating his feelings and just sitting with him in his pain.Let him know how you feel...that you love him, that you care, that you are concerned, that this is scary for you too, that you are here.I hope that this is helpful. \'a0On my website (www.sarahmcintyrelpc.com), I've written a series of blog posts about coping with distress. \'a0The techniques I've written about there may be supportive for you and your husband. \'a0Sending warm wishes your way.\'a0\'a0-Sarah", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", | "I appreciate that you are concerned about your husband's emotions and want to support him as best you can right now. I imagine that you must be going through your own difficult time too. You've had a complicated shock and trauma in your life and in your marriage; it's normal for both of your emotions to move from hope to despair to fear, anger, gratitude... there is no wrong way to feel and there is no particular pattern your emotions or his will follow.\'a0Try not to assume what he is feeling but ask him instead. ""How are you doing today?"" is something that can be asked over and over again and your love and compassion for him will come through. If he has a hard time talking, you can share your observations. ""I notice you're more withdrawn. This worries me."" Certainly it will help you if you know what he's thinking and feeling because he hid his intentions to hurt himself. It's normal that you want to know.\'a0If there is depression and hopelessness, this likely was part of what led to his initial despair. There is help out there. Depression is treatable, and seeking that treatment is important right now at this vulnerable time. This is the kind of complex situation that can be assisted by a therapist who is qualified to help you both understand and manage your emotions. Whether your husband seeks help or not, I hope that you do.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", | "A failed suicide attempt is commonly thought of as a \'93cry for help,\'94 however it can also be a serious attempt to find a permanent solution to depression, hopelessness or other feelings a person feels are unbearable. It\'92s wonderful that you want to support your husband, but If your husband is feeling depressed and hopeless, you can best help him by getting him to a mental health professional. Feelings of hopelessness and depression, and previous attempts at suicide are all risk factors for future suicide attempts.\'a0With a mental health professional, or in the emergency room of a hospital, your husband should be evaluated for suicidal thoughts, intent and plan, and if he is a danger to himself he should probably be hospitalized again until he is stable. Without knowing the particulars, your husband may suffer from Major Depressive Disorder or some other illness on the depressive spectrum. In that case medication could help him immensely, at which point you can offer your support and encouragement him to practice gentle self-care. And do not forget to practice it for yourself. \'a0Remember: a suicide attempt not only affects the person, but it is an immense stressor for his or her loved ones as well. As they say, \'93put your oxygen mask on first.\'94 Then you will be better able to provide your husband with calm and loving care and attention.Kayla Schwartz, LMSW[email\'a0protected]", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "The fact that you're reaching out for help here is really helpful.The first thing I would suggest is that you consider seeing a local mental health professional yourself to be able to talk about the details, how this is affecting you, and how you can hold onto you are while also being supportive to you husband.From the way that you describe this, I wonder what has changed since coming home from the hospital. Perhaps you can have a conversation with your husband this and mention that you are asking him questions to learn more about his experience and you can discuss how you notice that things were going much better when he came home from the hospital, and now things are not as good. Perhaps he can tell you about what is different so that you may know him would be most helpful to him.I also hope that you husband is still continuing with his own treatment.There may also be a local peer support telephone number for the county that you live in that they be able to help you determine whether your husband needs more immediate treatment if he is feeling hopeless again. There are national crisis telephone numbers listed below as well.", | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", | "Since as husband and wife your lives are closely joined, how your husband feels greatly influences the way you feel.Give yourself some time to concentrate on how you've been affected by your husband's suicide attempt. \'a0 Even if you decide against immediately telling him how you're feeling, knowing this about yourself will guide how and the topics you bring up with him.Is your husband talking easily with you?Do you have some ideas as to what is creating his feeling of hopelessness?The ideal approach would be if the two of you are able to discuss what bothers him and what bothers you.Depending on how far away you each are from such a position, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed professional therapist who can guide you and or you and your husband on opening up for discussion what feels stressful enough to merit taking one's own life.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This is actually more common then we often realize, and actually understandable, as he has gone through a trauma, an unresolved existential crisis. \'a0He was taken care of by others and now is again left alone with his own internal, and rather horrific inner struggle.In my work with CCT, or Contextual Conceptual Therapy, (see www.suicidetherapy.com) I have learned how trapped suicidal\'a0people are in their own isolation, also called a ""mysterious isolation,"" a form of self protection which cuts the off from their Self, or spirit. \'a0And unless they address this message from their soul, accompany a guide on a journey to discover their own missing information, that is to recognize how their own uncomforted emotional\'a0pain has resulted in a coping stategy which has effectively cut themselves off from their own beauty, their Self, and their ability to receive love from themselves and others.\'a0Their attempt to kill themselves is a cry from their soul or spirit that they cannot live the life they are living any longer. \'a0They take this literally and try to end their life, when in fact what their soul or spirit is saying is they need to begin to live the life they came here to live.", | "It seems like you are very receptive of your husband\'92s emotions and want to support him trough this time. \'a0But it is also important of being aware of your emotions. \'a0How are you feeling after the suicide attempt?\'a0 It is common to experience negative feelings while you try to make sense of the incident. \'a0Feelings like anger, shame, guilt and fear are frequent; while, wanting to avoid, minimize and become distant from the person are parts of the defense mechanism to attempt a quick resolution. \'a0Once you understand and overcome those feelings you may be in a better position to help your husband; who may be experiencing some negative feelings as well.First, it is important to have a safety plan in place, which includes removing harming objects from the home, knowing who to call if there\'92s a new attempt (either 9-1-1, or nearby treatment center), have a professional expert who monitors you and your husband\'92s progress, either a Counselor or mental health provider could help you manage negative feelings and identify ways to handle triggering situations.Once the safety plan is in place, \'a0make him feel supported and not judged, saying open ended statements, like: \'93I am glad that you are here, please let me know what I can do to help you through this process\'94.\'a0 Making small changes toward a healthier living may help as well.\'a0 Exercising, eating healthier and practicing new leisure activities may be good ways to start.\'a0 Also, explore your spirituality and your husbands, looking for ways to encourage each other by joining a support group or finding people who share your spiritual beliefs.If you have more questions or concerns I offer teletherapy in the State of Texas, and traditional Counseling in Puerto Rico, call 787-466-5478.\'a0\'bfC\'f3mo puedo ayudar a mi esposo despu\'e9s de un intento de suicidio?Despu\'e9s de que el llego a casa del hospital estaba enojado, luego por un tiempo maravilloso.\'a0 Ahora est\'e1 deprimido y sin \'e1nimos.Parece que estas muy atenta a los sentimientos de tu esposo, y que lo deseas ayudar durante este momento de su vida.\'a0 Pero tambi\'e9n es importante estar consciente de tus propias emociones.\'a0 \'bfC\'f3mo te has sentido luego de este intento de suicidio? \'a0\'a0Es com\'fan que experimentes emociones negativas mientras los recientes sucesos hacen sentido.\'a0\'a0 Sentimientos como coraje, verg\'fcenza, culpa y miedo son comunes, y el querer evitar, minimizar o distanciarte son mecanismos de defensa igualmente comunes.\'a0 Ya que comprendas y superes estos sentimientos,\'a0 estar\'e1s en una mejor posici\'f3n para ofrecerle ayuda, recuerda que tu esposo tambi\'e9n debe de estar experimentando sentimientos negativos.\'a0Es muy importante tener un plan de seguridad, esto incluye remover todos los objetos que pueden ser da\'f1inos o facilitar un futuro atentado, saber a qui\'e9n llamar en caso de una emergencia (9-1-1 o una cl\'ednica de emergencias cercana),\'a0 tener un experto que monitoree tu progreso y el de tu esposo, puede ser un Consejero u otro experto de salud mental que te ayude a manejar los sentimientos negativos y situaciones retantes.Ya que el plan de seguridad sea activado, crea un ambiente donde tu esposo se sienta apoyado y no juzgado.\'a0 Utiliza frases abiertas para comunicarte, dile que estas feliz de que este contigo, y quieres saber c\'f3mo puedes ayudarlo durante esta etapa. \'a0\'a0Tambi\'e9n haz cambios peque\'f1os para mejorar su calidad de vida como pareja.\'a0 Hacer ejercicios, comer m\'e1s saludable y compartir actividades puede ser un buen comienzo. Explorar tu espiritualidad y la de tu esposo tambi\'e9n puede ser de ayuda, y encontrar personas o grupos que compartan esos mismos intereses puede ser una manera de mantenerse motivados.Si tienes m\'e1s preguntas o preocupaciones sobre el tema, ofrezco teleterapia en Texas y Consejer\'eda Tradicional en Puerto Rico, llama al 787-466-5478 para m\'e1s informaci\'f3n.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", | "This must be so difficult for both of you. \'a0Watching someone you love suffer so profoundly can bring up lots of difficult feelings. \'a0Without knowing what you are already doing, I have a few thoughts to share with you.\'a0First and foremost, know that you cannot fix this for him, and get support for yourself.As much as you are able, make space in your relationship for him to talk about what he is experiencing. \'a0He might not want to talk, and that is ok.If he wants to talk, try to listen without judgement and without trying to talk him out of his feelings. \'a0Focus on validating his feelings and just sitting with him in his pain.Let him know how you feel...that you love him, that you care, that you are concerned, that this is scary for you too, that you are here.I hope that this is helpful. \'a0On my website (www.sarahmcintyrelpc.com), I've written a series of blog posts about coping with distress. \'a0The techniques I've written about there may be supportive for you and your husband. \'a0Sending warm wishes your way.\'a0\'a0-Sarah", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", | "I appreciate that you are concerned about your husband's emotions and want to support him as best you can right now. I imagine that you must be going through your own difficult time too. You've had a complicated shock and trauma in your life and in your marriage; it's normal for both of your emotions to move from hope to despair to fear, anger, gratitude... there is no wrong way to feel and there is no particular pattern your emotions or his will follow.\'a0Try not to assume what he is feeling but ask him instead. ""How are you doing today?"" is something that can be asked over and over again and your love and compassion for him will come through. If he has a hard time talking, you can share your observations. ""I notice you're more withdrawn. This worries me."" Certainly it will help you if you know what he's thinking and feeling because he hid his intentions to hurt himself. It's normal that you want to know.\'a0If there is depression and hopelessness, this likely was part of what led to his initial despair. There is help out there. Depression is treatable, and seeking that treatment is important right now at this vulnerable time. This is the kind of complex situation that can be assisted by a therapist who is qualified to help you both understand and manage your emotions. Whether your husband seeks help or not, I hope that you do.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", | "A failed suicide attempt is commonly thought of as a \'93cry for help,\'94 however it can also be a serious attempt to find a permanent solution to depression, hopelessness or other feelings a person feels are unbearable. It\'92s wonderful that you want to support your husband, but If your husband is feeling depressed and hopeless, you can best help him by getting him to a mental health professional. Feelings of hopelessness and depression, and previous attempts at suicide are all risk factors for future suicide attempts.\'a0With a mental health professional, or in the emergency room of a hospital, your husband should be evaluated for suicidal thoughts, intent and plan, and if he is a danger to himself he should probably be hospitalized again until he is stable. Without knowing the particulars, your husband may suffer from Major Depressive Disorder or some other illness on the depressive spectrum. In that case medication could help him immensely, at which point you can offer your support and encouragement him to practice gentle self-care. And do not forget to practice it for yourself. \'a0Remember: a suicide attempt not only affects the person, but it is an immense stressor for his or her loved ones as well. As they say, \'93put your oxygen mask on first.\'94 Then you will be better able to provide your husband with calm and loving care and attention.Kayla Schwartz, LMSW[email\'a0protected]", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "The fact that you're reaching out for help here is really helpful.The first thing I would suggest is that you consider seeing a local mental health professional yourself to be able to talk about the details, how this is affecting you, and how you can hold onto you are while also being supportive to you husband.From the way that you describe this, I wonder what has changed since coming home from the hospital. Perhaps you can have a conversation with your husband this and mention that you are asking him questions to learn more about his experience and you can discuss how you notice that things were going much better when he came home from the hospital, and now things are not as good. Perhaps he can tell you about what is different so that you may know him would be most helpful to him.I also hope that you husband is still continuing with his own treatment.There may also be a local peer support telephone number for the county that you live in that they be able to help you determine whether your husband needs more immediate treatment if he is feeling hopeless again. There are national crisis telephone numbers listed below as well.", | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", | "Since as husband and wife your lives are closely joined, how your husband feels greatly influences the way you feel.Give yourself some time to concentrate on how you've been affected by your husband's suicide attempt. \'a0 Even if you decide against immediately telling him how you're feeling, knowing this about yourself will guide how and the topics you bring up with him.Is your husband talking easily with you?Do you have some ideas as to what is creating his feeling of hopelessness?The ideal approach would be if the two of you are able to discuss what bothers him and what bothers you.Depending on how far away you each are from such a position, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed professional therapist who can guide you and or you and your husband on opening up for discussion what feels stressful enough to merit taking one's own life.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "I'm thankful to read your husband found care and that his suicide attempt wasn't successful.\'a0\'a0 While he was hospitalized, and prior to his release, your husband would've been provided in writing a self-care action plan. This typically includes things like committing to a contract 'not to harm' and what to do if he felt overwhelmed by his anger, depression, and hopelessness (e.g. call 911, call therapist, go to nearest hospital emergency department). Additionally, his protocol would've provided instructions for his taking medication(s) as directed, having a follow-up appointment(s) with his psychiatrist/psychologist/clinical social worker, and participating in some form of small group support.\'a0 If your husband's struggling as you describe, and you are feeling overwhelmed or frightened for his (your) safety, I'd encourage you to seek immediate assistance.", | "It seems like you are very receptive of your husband\'92s emotions and want to support him trough this time. \'a0But it is also important of being aware of your emotions. \'a0How are you feeling after the suicide attempt?\'a0 It is common to experience negative feelings while you try to make sense of the incident. \'a0Feelings like anger, shame, guilt and fear are frequent; while, wanting to avoid, minimize and become distant from the person are parts of the defense mechanism to attempt a quick resolution. \'a0Once you understand and overcome those feelings you may be in a better position to help your husband; who may be experiencing some negative feelings as well.First, it is important to have a safety plan in place, which includes removing harming objects from the home, knowing who to call if there\'92s a new attempt (either 9-1-1, or nearby treatment center), have a professional expert who monitors you and your husband\'92s progress, either a Counselor or mental health provider could help you manage negative feelings and identify ways to handle triggering situations.Once the safety plan is in place, \'a0make him feel supported and not judged, saying open ended statements, like: \'93I am glad that you are here, please let me know what I can do to help you through this process\'94.\'a0 Making small changes toward a healthier living may help as well.\'a0 Exercising, eating healthier and practicing new leisure activities may be good ways to start.\'a0 Also, explore your spirituality and your husbands, looking for ways to encourage each other by joining a support group or finding people who share your spiritual beliefs.If you have more questions or concerns I offer teletherapy in the State of Texas, and traditional Counseling in Puerto Rico, call 787-466-5478.\'a0\'bfC\'f3mo puedo ayudar a mi esposo despu\'e9s de un intento de suicidio?Despu\'e9s de que el llego a casa del hospital estaba enojado, luego por un tiempo maravilloso.\'a0 Ahora est\'e1 deprimido y sin \'e1nimos.Parece que estas muy atenta a los sentimientos de tu esposo, y que lo deseas ayudar durante este momento de su vida.\'a0 Pero tambi\'e9n es importante estar consciente de tus propias emociones.\'a0 \'bfC\'f3mo te has sentido luego de este intento de suicidio? \'a0\'a0Es com\'fan que experimentes emociones negativas mientras los recientes sucesos hacen sentido.\'a0\'a0 Sentimientos como coraje, verg\'fcenza, culpa y miedo son comunes, y el querer evitar, minimizar o distanciarte son mecanismos de defensa igualmente comunes.\'a0 Ya que comprendas y superes estos sentimientos,\'a0 estar\'e1s en una mejor posici\'f3n para ofrecerle ayuda, recuerda que tu esposo tambi\'e9n debe de estar experimentando sentimientos negativos.\'a0Es muy importante tener un plan de seguridad, esto incluye remover todos los objetos que pueden ser da\'f1inos o facilitar un futuro atentado, saber a qui\'e9n llamar en caso de una emergencia (9-1-1 o una cl\'ednica de emergencias cercana),\'a0 tener un experto que monitoree tu progreso y el de tu esposo, puede ser un Consejero u otro experto de salud mental que te ayude a manejar los sentimientos negativos y situaciones retantes.Ya que el plan de seguridad sea activado, crea un ambiente donde tu esposo se sienta apoyado y no juzgado.\'a0 Utiliza frases abiertas para comunicarte, dile que estas feliz de que este contigo, y quieres saber c\'f3mo puedes ayudarlo durante esta etapa. \'a0\'a0Tambi\'e9n haz cambios peque\'f1os para mejorar su calidad de vida como pareja.\'a0 Hacer ejercicios, comer m\'e1s saludable y compartir actividades puede ser un buen comienzo. Explorar tu espiritualidad y la de tu esposo tambi\'e9n puede ser de ayuda, y encontrar personas o grupos que compartan esos mismos intereses puede ser una manera de mantenerse motivados.Si tienes m\'e1s preguntas o preocupaciones sobre el tema, ofrezco teleterapia en Texas y Consejer\'eda Tradicional en Puerto Rico, llama al 787-466-5478 para m\'e1s informaci\'f3n.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This must be so difficult for both of you. \'a0Watching someone you love suffer so profoundly can bring up lots of difficult feelings. \'a0Without knowing what you are already doing, I have a few thoughts to share with you.\'a0First and foremost, know that you cannot fix this for him, and get support for yourself.As much as you are able, make space in your relationship for him to talk about what he is experiencing. \'a0He might not want to talk, and that is ok.If he wants to talk, try to listen without judgement and without trying to talk him out of his feelings. \'a0Focus on validating his feelings and just sitting with him in his pain.Let him know how you feel...that you love him, that you care, that you are concerned, that this is scary for you too, that you are here.I hope that this is helpful. \'a0On my website (www.sarahmcintyrelpc.com), I've written a series of blog posts about coping with distress. \'a0The techniques I've written about there may be supportive for you and your husband. \'a0Sending warm wishes your way.\'a0\'a0-Sarah", | "I appreciate that you are concerned about your husband's emotions and want to support him as best you can right now. I imagine that you must be going through your own difficult time too. You've had a complicated shock and trauma in your life and in your marriage; it's normal for both of your emotions to move from hope to despair to fear, anger, gratitude... there is no wrong way to feel and there is no particular pattern your emotions or his will follow.\'a0Try not to assume what he is feeling but ask him instead. ""How are you doing today?"" is something that can be asked over and over again and your love and compassion for him will come through. If he has a hard time talking, you can share your observations. ""I notice you're more withdrawn. This worries me."" Certainly it will help you if you know what he's thinking and feeling because he hid his intentions to hurt himself. It's normal that you want to know.\'a0If there is depression and hopelessness, this likely was part of what led to his initial despair. There is help out there. Depression is treatable, and seeking that treatment is important right now at this vulnerable time. This is the kind of complex situation that can be assisted by a therapist who is qualified to help you both understand and manage your emotions. Whether your husband seeks help or not, I hope that you do.", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This must be so difficult for both of you. \'a0Watching someone you love suffer so profoundly can bring up lots of difficult feelings. \'a0Without knowing what you are already doing, I have a few thoughts to share with you.\'a0First and foremost, know that you cannot fix this for him, and get support for yourself.As much as you are able, make space in your relationship for him to talk about what he is experiencing. \'a0He might not want to talk, and that is ok.If he wants to talk, try to listen without judgement and without trying to talk him out of his feelings. \'a0Focus on validating his feelings and just sitting with him in his pain.Let him know how you feel...that you love him, that you care, that you are concerned, that this is scary for you too, that you are here.I hope that this is helpful. \'a0On my website (www.sarahmcintyrelpc.com), I've written a series of blog posts about coping with distress. \'a0The techniques I've written about there may be supportive for you and your husband. \'a0Sending warm wishes your way.\'a0\'a0-Sarah", | "A failed suicide attempt is commonly thought of as a \'93cry for help,\'94 however it can also be a serious attempt to find a permanent solution to depression, hopelessness or other feelings a person feels are unbearable. It\'92s wonderful that you want to support your husband, but If your husband is feeling depressed and hopeless, you can best help him by getting him to a mental health professional. Feelings of hopelessness and depression, and previous attempts at suicide are all risk factors for future suicide attempts.\'a0With a mental health professional, or in the emergency room of a hospital, your husband should be evaluated for suicidal thoughts, intent and plan, and if he is a danger to himself he should probably be hospitalized again until he is stable. Without knowing the particulars, your husband may suffer from Major Depressive Disorder or some other illness on the depressive spectrum. In that case medication could help him immensely, at which point you can offer your support and encouragement him to practice gentle self-care. And do not forget to practice it for yourself. \'a0Remember: a suicide attempt not only affects the person, but it is an immense stressor for his or her loved ones as well. As they say, \'93put your oxygen mask on first.\'94 Then you will be better able to provide your husband with calm and loving care and attention.Kayla Schwartz, LMSW[email\'a0protected]", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "The fact that you're reaching out for help here is really helpful.The first thing I would suggest is that you consider seeing a local mental health professional yourself to be able to talk about the details, how this is affecting you, and how you can hold onto you are while also being supportive to you husband.From the way that you describe this, I wonder what has changed since coming home from the hospital. Perhaps you can have a conversation with your husband this and mention that you are asking him questions to learn more about his experience and you can discuss how you notice that things were going much better when he came home from the hospital, and now things are not as good. Perhaps he can tell you about what is different so that you may know him would be most helpful to him.I also hope that you husband is still continuing with his own treatment.There may also be a local peer support telephone number for the county that you live in that they be able to help you determine whether your husband needs more immediate treatment if he is feeling hopeless again. There are national crisis telephone numbers listed below as well.", | "This must be so difficult for both of you. \'a0Watching someone you love suffer so profoundly can bring up lots of difficult feelings. \'a0Without knowing what you are already doing, I have a few thoughts to share with you.\'a0First and foremost, know that you cannot fix this for him, and get support for yourself.As much as you are able, make space in your relationship for him to talk about what he is experiencing. \'a0He might not want to talk, and that is ok.If he wants to talk, try to listen without judgement and without trying to talk him out of his feelings. \'a0Focus on validating his feelings and just sitting with him in his pain.Let him know how you feel...that you love him, that you care, that you are concerned, that this is scary for you too, that you are here.I hope that this is helpful. \'a0On my website (www.sarahmcintyrelpc.com), I've written a series of blog posts about coping with distress. \'a0The techniques I've written about there may be supportive for you and your husband. \'a0Sending warm wishes your way.\'a0\'a0-Sarah", |
How can I help my husband after a suicide attempt?"After he got home from the hospital he was angry then for a time wonderful. Now he is depressed and hopeless again." | "This must be so difficult for both of you. \'a0Watching someone you love suffer so profoundly can bring up lots of difficult feelings. \'a0Without knowing what you are already doing, I have a few thoughts to share with you.\'a0First and foremost, know that you cannot fix this for him, and get support for yourself.As much as you are able, make space in your relationship for him to talk about what he is experiencing. \'a0He might not want to talk, and that is ok.If he wants to talk, try to listen without judgement and without trying to talk him out of his feelings. \'a0Focus on validating his feelings and just sitting with him in his pain.Let him know how you feel...that you love him, that you care, that you are concerned, that this is scary for you too, that you are here.I hope that this is helpful. \'a0On my website (www.sarahmcintyrelpc.com), I've written a series of blog posts about coping with distress. \'a0The techniques I've written about there may be supportive for you and your husband. \'a0Sending warm wishes your way.\'a0\'a0-Sarah", | "Since as husband and wife your lives are closely joined, how your husband feels greatly influences the way you feel.Give yourself some time to concentrate on how you've been affected by your husband's suicide attempt. \'a0 Even if you decide against immediately telling him how you're feeling, knowing this about yourself will guide how and the topics you bring up with him.Is your husband talking easily with you?Do you have some ideas as to what is creating his feeling of hopelessness?The ideal approach would be if the two of you are able to discuss what bothers him and what bothers you.Depending on how far away you each are from such a position, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed professional therapist who can guide you and or you and your husband on opening up for discussion what feels stressful enough to merit taking one's own life.", |
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