title: A collaborative approach to psychotherapy termination.
abstract: Collaboration has been recognized as an important relationship variable in psychotherapy that is linked to client treatment outcomes. Although many therapists seek to build a collaborative working relationship with their clients when making treatment decisions, collaboration is also an important technique that can be used to help clients plan for a successful termination. Collaborative termination strategies can first be used in the initial session in order to address clients' termination expectations. Strategies can also be used throughout treatment to help clients focus on their treatment goals. Last, collaborative termination strategies should be used in the final session to help clients take ownership of their gains and to equalize the therapeutic relationship. In this article, we provide specific recommendations for collaborating with clients in preparing for psychotherapy termination. Case examples demonstrating these strategies are also provided. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Idaho State University.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goode
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Idaho State University.
authors.forename: Jake
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Idaho State University.
authors.forename: Susannah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parkin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage.
authors.forename: Kelley A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Tompkins
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Idaho State University.
authors.forename: Joshua K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Swift
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D009769:Object Attachment; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011613:Psychotherapy; D019962:Reactive Attachment Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support