A Brief Description Of Two Potential Positives And Two Poten

Question

A Brief Description Of Two Potential Positive And Two Potential Negati

In the process of terminating a therapeutic relationship, both the social worker and the client may experience various emotional responses. On the positive side, the social worker might feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction, recognizing that the client has made progress and achieved specific goals, leading to a feeling of professional fulfillment and validation of their work (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Similarly, the client might feel relief and hope for the future, perceiving the end of therapy as a milestone and a sign of personal growth, fostering independence and self-efficacy. Conversely, negative feelings can also emerge. The social worker may feel sadness or guilt, especially if they become emotionally attached or perceive a sense of loss associated with the client's departure (Siebold, 2007). The client might experience anxiety or abandonment fears, worrying about losing ongoing support or relapsing without continued therapeutic guidance.

To assist a client with potential negative feelings, a key skill is employing empathetic listening combined with validation. This involves acknowledging the client's emotions, normalizing feelings of disappointment or anxiety, and reassuring them that these reactions are common and understandable (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Additionally, offering a clear and collaborative plan for future support, such as referrals or follow-up sessions, can alleviate fears and promote a sense of security. Using open-ended questions to explore the client's feelings and providing reassurance can facilitate emotional processing and help the client view termination as a positive transition rather than an end to support.

On the social worker's part, managing one's own potentially negative feelings requires self-awareness and supervision. Recognizing feelings of guilt or sadness through reflective supervision or peer consultation allows the social worker to process these emotions constructively and prevent them from impairing professional boundaries or efficacy (Siebold, 2007). Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness, supervision, or peer support groups, can help mitigate emotional distress. Engaging in regular self-reflection and seeking supervision when feelings of loss or guilt arise ensures that the social worker maintains a professional stance and provides quality support to clients during the termination process.

References

Siebold, C. (2007). Everytime we say goodbye: Forced termination revisited, a commentary. Clinical Social Work Journal, 35(2), 91–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-006-0086-2
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

A Brief Description Of Two Potential Positive And Two Potential Negati

In the process of terminating a therapeutic relationship, both the social worker and the client may experience various emotional responses. On the positive side, the social worker might feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction, recognizing that the client has made progress and achieved specific goals, leading to a feeling of professional fulfillment and validation of their work (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Similarly, the client might feel relief and hope for the future, perceiving the end of therapy as a milestone and a sign of personal growth, fostering independence and self-efficacy. Conversely, negative feelings can also emerge. The social worker may feel sadness or guilt, especially if they become emotionally attached or perceive a sense of loss associated with the client's departure (Siebold, 2007). The client might experience anxiety or abandonment fears, worrying about losing ongoing support or relapsing without continued therapeutic guidance.

To assist a client with potential negative feelings, a key skill is employing empathetic listening combined with validation. This involves acknowledging the client's emotions, normalizing feelings of disappointment or anxiety, and reassuring them that these reactions are common and understandable (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Additionally, offering a clear and collaborative plan for future support, such as referrals or follow-up sessions, can alleviate fears and promote a sense of security. Using open-ended questions to explore the client's feelings and providing reassurance can facilitate emotional processing and help the client view termination as a positive transition rather than an end to support.

On the social worker's part, managing one's own potentially negative feelings requires self-awareness and supervision. Recognizing feelings of guilt or sadness through reflective supervision or peer consultation allows the social worker to process these emotions constructively and prevent them from impairing professional boundaries or efficacy (Siebold, 2007). Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness, supervision, or peer support groups, can help mitigate emotional distress. Engaging in regular self-reflection and seeking supervision when feelings of loss or guilt arise ensures that the social worker maintains a professional stance and provides quality support to clients during the termination process.

References

Siebold, C. (2007). Everytime we say goodbye: Forced termination revisited, a commentary. Clinical Social Work Journal, 35(2), 91–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-006-0086-2
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

A Brief Description Of Two Potential Positive And Two Potential Negati

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