endings and transitions

Question 1

what are some assumptions about endings?

Answer 1

• they can be difficult and painful
• general tendency to avoid them
• sense of guilt for client and worker
• opportunities exist to integrate process & content

Question 2

name the 5 stages of the ending phase

Answer 2

1. denial
2. indirect and direct expressions of anger
3. mourning
4. “try it on for size”
5. farewell-party syndrome

Question 3

5 intervention strategies for ending phase

Answer 3

1. point out the endings early
2. identity stages as they emerge
3. research for client’s real feelings
4. share worker’s appropriate feelings
5. identity process & content connections

Question 4

4 intervention strategies for transitions

Answer 4

1. identification of major learning
2. identification of areas for future work
3. synthesizing endings process and content
4. transition to new experiences and support systems

Question 5

4 variations on endings

Answer 5

1. ending a relationship that never began
2. endings caused by the termination of the worker’s job
3. endings caused by death of client
4. suicide on a caseload