Termination: A fancy way to say “Goodbye”
As a child, did you look forward to the end of the school year? Just the thought of sleeping in late and not having to complete homework assignments can improve a child’s mood, which is evidenced on warm sunny days at the end of May! In June, teachers look forward to having time to complete household projects, travel, and take a break from grading papers.
Although summer vacation might sound great to children—and teachers—concurrent feelings of loneliness and isolation may also arise over the summer months. The endings and beginnings of the school year always bring about many transitions, and the unknown details about upcoming changes may also create a sense of anxiety or dread. Because humans are wired for connection, losing the meaningful relationships that were made during the school year can bring about feelings of grief.
Likewise, as individuals approach the end of taking part in counseling services, they may also experience similar feelings of loss and insecurity. However, as is true with most endings in life, there is a sense of relief when we realize that the finish line is in sight.
As you reach the end of your counseling journey, you will likely feel excited and optimistic about your success in jumping over many obstacles and completing a goal. By now, you have realized that this experience is not like a timed race. Rather, it is based on a timeline for completion that is uniquely tailored to your needs.
What are some of the rewards of going to counseling?
Instead of receiving a tangible—yet valueless – medal after completing your last session, your commitment to meeting with a therapist will provide you with intangible, lasting, and beneficial rewards. For example, you will have developed tools and skills to operate more functionally in your everyday life. Some benefits might include:
- Improved mood
- Reduction in anxiety levels
- Experiencing a greater sense of self-confidence
- Achieving a greater quality of sleep
You may also find that you are happier, more optimistic, and better able to relate to peers and loved ones.
What Comes Next?
As you look back on all that you have gained, you may wonder, “What comes next?” The Termination Phase is a professional term used to clarify the planning and implementation period of temporarily pausing or ending treatment, which is fluid in nature. There are times when a client can no longer continue services, or a clinician takes a leave of absence, and the coordination of this transition time is prevented. This may result in a lack of closure for both the clinician and the client, and it is not ideal. This process is usually discussed and planned with your clinician well before your final session.
A New Beginning
Just as high school graduation is not the end, but a new beginning, reaching the end of counseling services is not necessarily a permanent or final step, as further education and growth are always possible. Rather, it is a time to say “goodbye” and make plans for the future, and there is usually the opportunity to schedule additional sessions with your counselor, if needed.
For example, perhaps you will encounter a job loss or experience a lack of fulfillment in your current role, and you may want to return to the office to discuss career planning services with a counselor. Life transitions, such as a birth, death, marriage, or divorce, may also bring about the desire to receive support and encouragement in a therapeutic environment. You may find that you suffer from a bout of seasonal depression or an increased level of anxiety over an emerging issue, and our staff is prepared and equipped to help you during whatever seasons of life you are facing.
Other options for services include couples and family counseling, as well as treatment for specific issues, such as grief, OCD, or ADHD. Please call our office if we can assist you throughout your counseling journey from beginning to end—and beyond.
If you missed the first 3 articles in this series, you can read them at:
- What to Expect Series – Starting Counseling
- What to Expect Series – Your First Counseling Session
- What to Expect Series – Continuing Care
Please call our office at 269-205-2402 or email us to schedule an appointment.
Brenda Gonyou
