At the end of a therapeutic relationship, which action best facilitates healthy closure?

• A. React with defensiveness and challenge the patient.
• B. Encourage expression of feelings about the termination.
• C. Ignore the patient's feelings and end the session quickly.
• D. Prescribe additional therapy without discussion.

Answer: (B)

Encouraging expression of feelings about the termination supports healthy closure by giving the patient a space to process the ending of the therapeutic relationship. When a difference or end is approaching, clients may experience a mix of emotions—loss, fear, relief, or gratitude. Inviting them to talk about what termination means validates those emotions and maintains a sense of safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship. This conversation also provides an opportunity to review progress, reinforce coping strategies, and discuss next steps, such as follow-up plans or referrals, so the ending feels intentional and collaborative rather than abrupt.

Reacting defensively or challenging the patient can undermine trust and exacerbate distress, making closure harder. Ignoring the patient’s feelings and ending the session quickly deprives them of processing important emotions tied to the ending. Prescribing additional therapy without discussion bypasses the patient’s autonomy and may erode the therapeutic alliance. By openly discussing termination and the feelings it brings, the clinician supports a more healthy, empowering conclusion to the care relationship.