'You're Breaking Up with Me?' The Ethics of Termination

The length of therapeutic relationships is often uncertain and dependent upon many variables. No matter the duration, it is self-evident that therapy does come to an end eventually. Ideally, termination comes once treatment is complete, but studies suggest that many people who seek therapy leave after just one or two sessions. Other people may attend multiple sessions and terminate “prematurely.” Therapists, too, may initiate termination.

Termination is a critical element of the therapeutic relationship, and we will address the complexity of the issue in this web conference. We will also evaluate case examples and may watch a film clip or two. Relevant ethical code provisions will also be discussed.

This web conference is intermediate instructional level and designed to help clinicians:

1. Describe perceived “failures” in therapy and how to best circumvent them;
2. Develop skills for managing termination;
3. Determine the goals of therapeutically beneficial and ethical terminations;
4. Analyze the elements of and the need for a professional will.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.

Event Reviews from Members

Great examples to determine the ethical goals and ways to handle beneficial terminations. Good outline for initiating termination with clients. I appreciate the practical examples that the presenter used. - Ronit Lev, LMFT

Overall well prepared and did cover meaningful points. The professional will was a really excellent addition for this topic and for ALL therapists to consider in practice. - Howard B. Weithorn, PhD.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

• Register NowPlease Login to Member's Area
• Not a Member?Click here for information on membership