The process of termination

Full Answer Section

            The theory of change that primarily informed my interventions was Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT). This theory posits that an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors, emotional distress can be alleviated. My work with Sarah focused on helping her identify and challenge the cognitive distortions that fueled her anxiety and on gradually engaging in behaviors that contradicted her anxious predictions. A significant challenge in implementing these interventions was Sarah's initial deep-seated sense of hopelessness and her past experiences of systemic barriers, which often made it difficult for her to believe that change was possible. There were sessions where Sarah would express frustration with the slow pace of progress in her housing applications, leading to a resurgence of anxious thoughts and a reluctance to engage in behavioral activation exercises. In these moments, my role shifted to validating her feelings of frustration while gently redirecting her to focus on the aspects she could control and celebrating small victories. These challenges, while difficult, ultimately contributed to Sarah's growth by forcing her to confront her resilience, develop greater self-awareness of her triggers, and refine her coping mechanisms. For example, after a particularly disheartening rejection for housing, Sarah, instead of spiraling into despair as she might have before, utilized the breathing techniques we practiced and proactively sought alternative housing leads, demonstrating significant growth in self-efficacy. Looking back, I might have introduced the concept of "micro-victories" earlier in our work, emphasizing the cumulative effect of small, consistent efforts to combat her feelings of being overwhelmed. The termination of services with Sarah was planned, driven by the natural conclusion of my practicum placement. My internship was for a fixed duration, and all clients I began working with were informed of this timeframe at the outset of our therapeutic relationship. The literature strongly supports planned terminations, highlighting their benefits for both the client and the social worker. Planned termination allows for a gradual process of disengagement, providing opportunities for the client to consolidate gains, practice new coping skills, and prepare for future challenges without the immediate support of the social worker (Fortune et al., 1995). It also enables the social worker to review progress, address any unresolved issues, and ensure appropriate referrals. In contrast, unplanned terminations, such as those due to client dropout or sudden social worker departure, can be detrimental, often leaving clients feeling abandoned, invalidated, or that their progress was insufficient (Joyce et al., 2007). The predictability of a planned ending, even if sad, allows for a more therapeutic closure.

Sample Answer

            The process of termination in social work is far more intricate than a simple farewell; it constitutes a critical and often emotionally charged phase of the therapeutic relationship, demanding careful navigation and adherence to ethical principles. It is not merely the cessation of services but a distinct and purposeful stage designed to consolidate client gains, empower their autonomy, and manage the inherent feelings of loss and transition for both client and social worker. To simply say "so long" and move on would be to abandon the client at a crucial juncture, undermining the very foundation of trust and progress established throughout the intervention. As Walsh (2010) notes, a well-managed termination reinforces the client's capacity for self-reliance, validates their achievements, and prepares them for future challenges by modeling a healthy ending to a significant relationship. Conversely, a poorly handled termination can re-traumatize clients, evoke feelings of abandonment, and negate prior therapeutic gains. My current practicum placement is at a community mental health center, primarily serving adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I have been working with "Sarah," a 42-year-old single mother struggling with generalized anxiety disorder and significant stress related to her precarious housing situation and unemployment. Our work together spanned approximately four months, with weekly sessions focused on developing coping strategies for her anxiety and connecting her with community resources for housing and employment support. In our work together, several interventions proved particularly useful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques were foundational, specifically cognitive restructuring to challenge Sarah's anxious thought patterns and behavioral activation to encourage engagement in positive activities despite her low mood. For instance, we worked on identifying automatic negative thoughts like "I'll never find a stable job" and reframing them into more balanced perspectives, such as "Finding a job is challenging, but I have transferable skills and can seek support." Additionally, psychoeducation on anxiety symptoms and stress management techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, provided Sarah with practical tools to manage her physical and emotional responses. Resource linkage and advocacy were also critical interventions, as I assisted Sarah in navigating complex housing applications and connecting with local workforce development programs.