Page 41 - PartA

Counselling Skills

Section 4: Concluding a helping interaction

This section will explore the following:
• Useful strategies for ending relationships

• The possible impact of a helping relationship ending.

Useful strategies for ending relationships

Terminating a relationship should be done sensitively and with respect. The ending
of a relationship is built into the initial contract because the purpose of a helping
relationship is to reach a point where the client no longer needs the help. A well
thought out plan for ending the relationship should be in place and a period of
distancing is recommended – particularly if the relationship has been a long one.
Premature endings can be upsetting for both parties.

The helper and client need to look back at why the relationship started in the first
place and to recap on what progress has been made. An evaluation of progress
should take place.

The evaluation should identify the following:

• The different problems and how they were tackled

• The goals and the extent to which they have been achieved

• Areas of growth and insight.

An evaluation completes the helping process and gives both parties an opportunity
to look at what was useful and what was not. It provides the client with something
positive to carry forward into the future – for example, confidence in getting a job,
solving a problem or addressing a relationship issue.

Responsibility for the success or otherwise of the helping relationship ultimately lies
with the client, but the helper also shares some responsibility. As the termination of
the helping relationship grows closer, the helper should clarify the positive outcomes
and help the client to formulate a plan that allows them to maintain and build on
the progress that they have achieved, and not slip back into previous patterns of
thought or behaviour. For example – a debt counsellor should help the client to devise
strategies for not getting further into debt, such as regular reviews of finances and
implementing manageable repayments on vital services such as mortgages.

Finally, the helper should assure the client of their help in the future should the
need arise.

39