Termination Report - Essay Example

Termination Report Grade Time, Location and informed ConsentThe termination session of counseling between Carrie and John took place towards the end of the second session, which occurred at 2.00p.m on April 5th, 2013 at the university’s health clinic. I restated the informed consent that I had availed to the couple on the first counseling session, which consisted of the objective of the session, benefits and risks of counseling among others. The objective of the session as I reminded them was to transform the negative emotions and insecurities creatively into positivity that can help their relationship flourish.

Since this was a termination session, the most important part of informed consent was asking them if they agree and are comfortable with the termination. They stated that they felt much better and have noted great improvement in their relationship, thus, had no objection to the termination.Reactions and Benefits from the SessionsI initiated the termination process having noted that the couple had made a lot of progress in their therapy. It was clear that both parties had gained enough insight to deal with conflicts and any future issues that may occur in their relationship.

The termination session was smooth having discussed it with them earlier in the counseling process. The couple did not resist the session, and this means that they were also satisfied with the progress. However, I noticed some negative facial and body expressions, which could have come from the thought of ending a close relationship that we had built. I felt the same way too because I had bonded well with the couple, and because of their enthusiasm to share, I found it easy to talk and relate with them.

Nevertheless, I felt happy because, at this point, the goals of the therapy had been achieved. At the beginning of the termination process, I handed the couple pieces of paper each and asked them to write down any concerns of anger and anxiety regarding the end of the counseling process. They noted that they noted they were satisfied, but were a bit anxious on how they were going to maintain the progress that they have achieved in their relationship since the start of counseling. This kind of reaction is normal in most counseling exercises, and it does not raise any alarm so long as the clients are not angry at the counselor for terminating the process.

Hence, it was a mature decision to terminate the process since I did not witness any negative reactions against the decision. In addition, I also asked each of them to narrate what has been most beneficial to them that they will take a way from the process. Though they both gave a series of explanations, the common elements that they stated include conflict resolution strategies, understanding one another better, necessity of communication in a relationship, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the areas in which they need to focus more and improve in their relationship.

Plan for Continued GrowthIt is natural after the end of counseling exercise to give the couple a plan for continued growth so that they maintain the goals and continue to nurture their relationship positively. Therefore, I referred the couple to other professional counselors within the area, and these include Steve Baerg (MSW) of Christian Caoching, CA 93210, Shela Kaye (BSPsy, MThCC,DDvi) of Embrace, Inc., (661) 316-2233 and finally, Mark Crear (P.h.D) of Mark Crear Ministries (818) 421-8238.

In addition, I will also follow up on their progress by checking on them from time to time. I also gave the couple an outline on how to achieve progress and enhance their relationship using what they learnt from the PIAR2 Profile. I also told the couple to continue with the conflict resolution technique that I had given them earlier as an assignment (mentioned in Practicum Part2 Report). Counselor’s Thoughts At the end of the counseling session, I realized that I had learnt a lot from the process because it was challenging, but I managed to achieve rationale and form a relationship with the couple in order to understand one another better.

I also became aware that though relationship problems are similar, each couple is unique and thus a counselor needs to formulate intervention approach with regard to the characteristics of the couple. The counseling was successful, and we both learnt a lot from the exercise; personally I believe it has advanced my skills and experiences in counseling. Concerning the couple, they have a great potential and enthusiasm to work things out, and having noted a positive progress, I believe they will have a successful marriage.

The solution to achieving and maintaining their relationship goals and successful, fulfilling marriage lie in effective communication, which according to Worthington (2005), is the core and the most instrumental in marriage. To wrap up what I learnt from this experience in one statement, “in this field one needs to think on their feet, exercise intelligence and act with wisdom”. ReferencesWorthington, E., & Worthington, E. (2005). Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling: A guide to Brief Therapy.

IL: Inter-Varsity Press.