Assignment 1: Practicum – Client Termination Summary
Although termination is an inevitable part of the therapeutic process, it is often difficult for clients. However, by discussing termination throughout therapy, you can better prepare your clients for life without you. Once a client has achieved his or her therapeutic goals, termination sessions should be held and documented in a client termination summary. For this Assignment, you have the opportunity to practice writing a termination summary for a client with whom you have worked during your practicum experience.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
· Develop client termination summaries
To prepare:
· For guidance on writing a client termination summary, review pages 693–712 of Wheeler (2014) in this week’s Learning Resources.
· Identify a client who may be ready to terminate therapy.
The Assignment
· Identifying information of client (e.g., hypothetical name and age)
· Date the client initially contacted therapist, date therapy began, duration of therapy, and date therapy will end
· Total number of sessions, including number of missed sessions
· Whether termination was planned or unplanned
· Presenting problem
· Major psychosocial issues
· Types of services rendered (e.g., individual, couple/family therapy, group therapy)
· Overview of treatment process
· Goal status (goals met, partially met, unmet)
· Treatment limitations (if any)
· Remaining difficulties and/or concerns
· Recommendations
· Follow-up plan (if indicated)
· Instructions for future contact
· Signatures
With the client you selected in mind, address in a client termination summary (without violating HIPAA regulations) the following:
Expert Solution Preview
In this assignment, the task is to practice writing a termination summary for a client with whom you have worked during your practicum experience. The termination summary is an important document that should be prepared when a client has achieved their therapeutic goals and is ready to end therapy. It provides a comprehensive overview of the client’s progress, challenges, and recommendations for future treatment.
To begin, it is essential to gather the necessary information about the client and their therapy journey. This includes identifying information such as a hypothetical name and age, as well as specific dates related to the therapy process – the date the client initially contacted the therapist, date therapy began, duration of therapy, and the date therapy will end.
The termination summary should also include details about the number of sessions conducted, including any missed sessions. It is important to indicate whether the termination was planned or unplanned, as this can influence the client’s emotional readiness for termination.
Next, provide a concise overview of the presenting problem that brought the client to therapy. This should be followed by a discussion of the major psychosocial issues that were addressed during the therapy process. It is important to highlight the types of services rendered, such as individual therapy, couple/family therapy, or group therapy, as this can impact the client’s overall progress and outcome.
The termination summary should then provide a brief overview of the treatment process, describing the therapeutic interventions and techniques utilized. It is crucial to assess and report the goal status, indicating whether the goals were met, partially met, or unmet. This evaluation helps to measure the effectiveness of the therapy and the client’s progress.
Additionally, mention any treatment limitations that may have influenced the therapy outcome. This could include factors such as time constraints, resources, or any external issues that hindered progress. It is also essential to address any remaining difficulties and/or concerns that the client may still have.
In the recommendations section, suggest potential strategies or interventions that could support the client’s continued growth and well-being. Consider whether a follow-up plan is necessary and indicate it if appropriate. Instructions for future contact should also be provided, indicating how the client can reach out if needed.
Finally, ensure that the termination summary is signed and dated by both the therapist and the client, maintaining client confidentiality and following HIPAA regulations.
By developing a comprehensive client termination summary, you are able to reflect on the progress made during therapy and provide a valuable document for the client’s future treatment providers.
