QUESTION:
Do you agree or disagree that the techniques identified in the text will result in successful termination. Identify potential consequences of early termination for families and groups.
A comparison of the termination process between treatment groups and family sessions
Although the termination stage is the final stage of counseling, it is just as important as the initial phase of the counseling process. The way a professional chooses to close a counseling relationship can have a significant impact on the clients experience and view of counseling. Termination usually occurs when the client has achieved the desired goals or when the problem that brought the client to counseling has been managed or resolved. The termination process within group sessions differs from family sessions. Family sessions have more flexibility to determine if the family is not ready for termination, in that event session can continue. Termination can be more difficult with groups due to missed sessions or the need of additional sessions (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). A group leader must be aware of the timeline of the group as well as communicate that timeline to the group members in order to effectively initiate the termination stage. In family sessions, the termination process is between the family and therapist. Family sessions provides more room for flexibility whereas if a member of the family believes that termination shouldn’t happen and if the family is in agreeance, sessions are likely to be extended. Once termination has been introduced in group sessions, members may experience feelings of sadness due to relying on the group for support or advice.
Evaluating Readiness to Determine Termination Readiness for Family and Group Session
Along with clients, counselors also experience many emotions when the termination process occurs which is why it is important to evaluate the readiness to terminate sessions among groups and families. When evaluating termination readiness within groups it is important to assess group members individually and as a whole. This includes clients being able to express feelings towards the termination process, review their success in counseling and communicate how the client can return in the future. Receiving feedback from members is also essential when determining if the termination maybe premature. According to Toseland & Rivas (2017) group members may experience negative feelings about termination which could lead to feelings of disappointment, abandonment or rejection. It is also important to assess members of family sessions individually and collectively to determine termination readiness. This can include monitoring progress during sessions, receiving individual and collective feedback from family members and assessing the reduction of family problems and achieved goals. When evaluating both family and group sessions for termination readiness, it is important to hear the client’s thoughts in regards to termination. It is also important to receive feedback in both group sessions and family session, so that the counselor can determine if the treatment was effective.
Techniques used to terminate a treatment group and how these may be the same or different than the techniques you would use to terminate a family intervention.
Techniques to use to terminate a treatment group could include communicating the timeline for termination with clients and allowing clients to express their thoughts and feelings towards termination, review progress so that the client is aware of their positive advances made in counseling, provide support and resources as well as communicate how to return to treatment if possible. These techniques can also be applied to terminate a family intervention as well. It is also important to reinforce coping skills to clients so that they can successfully incorporate them into their daily lives. According to Toseland & Rivas (2017) it is important to ensure that members can perform appropriate problem-solving skills on their own before termination is finalized.
Referene:
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
