Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What should be included in the ending phase of treatment for a client who feels rejected during termination?

1. Focus on the goals accomplished

2. Discuss what led to the client’s feelings of rejection

3. Encourage the client to seek another therapist

4. Ignore the client’s concerns to avoid confrontation

The correct answer is: Focus on the goals accomplished

In the ending phase of treatment, particularly for a client who experiences feelings of rejection during termination, it is crucial to focus on the goals accomplished. This helps to reinforce the positive progress the client has made throughout therapy, which can alleviate feelings of loss or rejection. By emphasizing what has been achieved, the therapist facilitates a sense of closure and validation. It allows the client to reflect on their journey, recognize their strengths, and acknowledge the skills they have developed. While discussing the client’s feelings of rejection could also be important, the primary aim during termination is to celebrate successes and foster an understanding of the therapeutic process. Encouraging the client to seek another therapist might be necessary in some contexts, yet it does not address the immediate feelings of rejection and may undermine the sense of completion of the current therapeutic relationship. Ignoring the client’s concerns can lead to further feelings of isolation and detract from the goal of processing the end of therapy. Focusing on accomplishments, however, provides a constructive way to navigate the emotional landscape during termination.