Which is a recommended consideration when ending a counseling relationship?

• A. End abruptly without preparation
• B. Prepare student for the last session
• C. Ignore student feelings and responses
• D. Recommend outside resources as appropriate

Answer: (B)

Ending a counseling relationship should be planned and collaborative to provide closure and ensure continued support. The best practice is to prepare the student for the last session, outlining what will be discussed, reviewing goals and progress, highlighting coping strategies that have been learned, and mapping out steps for the future. This approach helps the student feel respected and understood as the relationship ends, while also giving them space to share emotions about termination and to ask questions. It sets a clear transition, which can include arranging referrals or additional resources if ongoing assistance is needed, making sure supports are in place after the session ends.

Ending abruptly without preparation can leave the student confused and unsettled, which undermines the progress made. Dismissing the student’s feelings ignores an important part of the process, since termination can evoke strong emotions. Recommending outside resources is valuable, but it fits best as part of a thoughtful termination plan rather than as the sole action; preparing for the last session integrates resource planning into a coherent end to the relationship.