How To End a Counselling Skills Session On Time

Summary

This script discusses the art of closing a therapy session with deliberate practice, emphasizing the importance of thoughtfulness and skill development. It highlights the need for therapists to manage time effectively, using clocks to maintain boundaries and prevent overruns, which can disrupt the therapeutic process. The conversation also touches on the challenges of ending sessions, including dealing with heavy material brought up at the end, and the use of 'soft power' to guide clients back into their lives after sessions. The script concludes with advice on seeking supervision and feedback to improve these critical skills.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The art of closing a therapy session is crucial and involves deliberate practice to refine skills and techniques.
• 📚 'Deliberate Practice for Psychotherapists' by Tony Rousmaniere introduced the concept of deliberate practice to psychotherapy in 2016.
• ⏳ The importance of using a time-keeping device during sessions to manage time effectively and avoid disrupting the therapeutic process.
• 🕒 Starting to think about the end of a session from the beginning helps in setting expectations and maintaining session boundaries.
• 🔄 Contracting the session length with clients beforehand and the potential issues of overrunning agreed times.
• 👁️ Placing a clock where both the therapist and client can see it, promoting awareness and self-regulation of time.
• 📝 The value of summarizing key points towards the end of a session to provide clients with a clear understanding of the session's content.
• 🚫 Avoiding the temptation to 'overhelp' by extending sessions beyond the agreed time, which can disrespect client boundaries and preparation.
• 🤝 Using 'soft power' to manage session endings, giving control back to the client and helping them transition back to their lives.
• 🔍 The opportunity to address heavy or new topics brought up towards the end of a session by planning to revisit them in a future session.
• 📈 The significance of deliberate practice in improving therapeutic skills, including handling session endings and receiving feedback.

Q & A

What is the term 'deliberate practice' in the context of psychotherapy?

Deliberate practice refers to a thoughtful approach to improving one's skills in therapy by getting feedback and honing those skills to a high-quality level, similar to a craftsman refining their craft.

Who is Tony Rouse Marini and what is his contribution to the field of psychotherapy?

Tony Rouse Marini is an American counselor who introduced the concept of deliberate practice to psychotherapists through his book 'Deliberate Practice for Psychotherapists: A Guide to Improving Clinical Effectiveness' published in 2016.

Why is it important to consider the end of a therapy session from the beginning?

Considering the end from the beginning helps in setting up the session's structure, managing time effectively, and avoiding pitfalls such as going over time, which can disrupt the therapeutic process and boundaries.

What is one practical suggestion for managing time during a therapy session?

One suggestion is to have a clock or time-measuring device placed where the therapist can see it without being obvious to the client, to help manage time without the need to check watches or phones.

Why is it crucial for both the therapist and client to be aware of the session's end time?

Being aware of the end time allows both parties to manage the session effectively, enabling the client to self-regulate their sharing and the therapist to wind down the session smoothly.

What is the significance of setting time boundaries at the start of a therapy session?

Setting time boundaries at the start helps in contracting the therapeutic time, ensuring that both the client and therapist are aware of the session's duration and can plan their interactions accordingly.

How can a therapist use 'soft power' in managing the end of a session?

The therapist can use 'soft power' by gently reminding the client of the remaining time, summarizing key points, and preparing the client to transition back to their life outside the therapy session.

What is the term 'doorknob ending' in therapy, and how can it be avoided?

A 'doorknob ending' refers to when a client drops a significant issue just as the session is ending. It can be avoided by setting clear time boundaries and summarizing the session towards the end, allowing the client to self-regulate their sharing.

Why is it considered a rookie error for a therapist to ask 'is there anything else?' at the end of a session?

Asking 'is there anything else?' can lead to the client bringing up new, heavy issues just as the session is ending, which can be challenging to address within the remaining time and disrupt the session's closure.

What is the importance of deliberate practice in improving therapeutic skills, including session closures?

Deliberate practice involves strategizing, getting feedback, and refining skills, which is essential for improving therapeutic techniques, including the art of closing a session effectively and respectfully.

How can a therapist ensure that the client is prepared to re-engage with their life after the session ends?

The therapist can ensure this by winding down the session, summarizing discussions, and providing a smooth transition, which helps the client to process the session and prepare for their activities outside of therapy.