Counseling Psychology

The goal of counseling psychology is to facilitate people in improving their way of life , working out difficulties , and escalating their capacity for better performance in all aspects of their lives . To illustrate , counseling psychologists are involved in a wide range of activities such as administration , evaluation , career and educational advancement , and most importantly counseling and consultation (Thomas 1990 ) However , there are times when the need to terminate counseling arises . Terminating counseling with clients is necessary due to several reasons . If there is no longer a demanding need for the counseling

service , if the client is unlikely benefiting from counseling , if the service is unquestionably not advantageous to the needs of the client or if other types of services are required to meet the demands of the client , then termination of counseling services must be concluded (Brown and Lent , 2000 ) Negative outcomes resulting from counseling are also compelling reasons to terminate services . For instance , if counseling sessions are harming the client and if there is an imminent threat perceived by the counselor , then services must immediately be terminated (Geldard and Anderson , 1989 . Other less significant reasons such as the refusal of clients to pay the fitting cost of services unavailability of the counselor due to retirement or relocation , time constraints , and an ongoing relationship between the counselor and a relative of the client , are also considered valid reasons for the termination of counseling sessions

It is important that counseling sessions be terminated if these circumstances arise because there are risk factors involved if counseling services are continued . If the client no longer needs counseling services , it is important to terminate counseling sessions simply because it is cost-effective and it is a professional thing to do . Continuing counseling would be a waste of money and time for both the counselor and the counselee , and it is unethical for counselors to continue counseling even when it is not needed . When the counselor feels threatened by his client , then it is also important to make the proper arrangements of terminating counseling sessions . This is to avoid life-threatening events from happening and ensure safety for both parties . Moreover , it is also damaging to the client , emotionally and psychologically when counseling is continued even if it is no longer needed . There is a probability that counseling might worsen the client 's state of mind and body

To make the termination process still therapeutic , it is important to follow ethical and proper procedures . It is necessary to allow an efficient transition for the client during the termination process Clients must undergo the process called pretermination counseling Pretermination counseling happens when the clients are informed of the termination plan long before it happens (Brown and Lent , 2000 . This is to prepare the clients emotionally before termination . In informing the clients of the termination of services , it is important to be considerate , sensitive and responsive of their feelings . The clients must not be allowed to feel neglected and abandoned by their counselor Termination must not be seen as...