‘I guess the ending is the price you pay’. Working at relational depth in a seven-session model: The impact of regular planned endings on counsellors

Background

Evidence suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship impacts the outcome of therapy, with the ending phase having the potential to elicit painful and difficult emotions. There is limited research on this phase of the therapeutic relationship.

Aims

The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of counsellors when ending with clients in short-term planned settings those relationships in which they have worked at relational depth.

Method

Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to evaluate the counsellors' lived experiences of ending therapeutic relationships. Online semi-structured interviews took place with six trainee and qualified counsellors who volunteered as counsellors for a local charity.

Findings

Three main themes were identified during the study—impact of ending, impact of short-term work and professional issues. Findings indicated that working at relational depth in short-term counselling could elicit unprocessed powerful emotions within the ending phase of therapy.

Limitations

A small sample size limits the wider application of these findings.

Implications

Further guidance and support are needed for trainee and qualified practitioners in the management and experience of ending counselling relationships within short-term work, including the exploration of counsellors' self-disclosure. Implications for practice include the need for supervisors and counsellors to be proactive in managing reflective practice within supervision, supervisors recognising and challenging supervisees' non-disclosure and counsellors looking at further ways for self-reflection on endings in counselling relationships.

Conclusion

The ending phase for counsellors working at relational depth within a seven-session model can elicit powerful emotions, positive experiences and challenges.