Sociology

Therapy is always based on mutual trust and understanding between the therapist and the patient. In family therapy, this relationship becomes even more crucial as the therapist deals with a group of individuals of varying characteristics. The key to having a successful breakthrough is to understand the individual behaviors within the realm of the family (Goldenberg, H.  Goldenberg, I., 2008). In this case when a progressive therapeutic relationship has to abruptly end, the same principle must be considered. With this family, a father, a mother, and two teenagers, termination might require more preparation. Teenagers have a tendency to keep their feelings to themselves and not disclose them to their parents. As a therapist, it is important to convince the family to let all emotions and thoughts come out about the situation. From there a good foundation can be built towards moving on.

A family should be able to grow from therapy. A responsible therapist should be able to impart principles a family can rely on to resolve conflict on their own. In this family of four, where both parents are present, and the children are in their teens, roles and functions must be properly identified (Goldberg, H.  Goldberg, I., 2008).

The easiest and most fair way to conclude therapy is to be upfront about it. False hopes and assurances will not help the situation. The family deserves the right to deal with the cessation in their own way. It is the therapists role to reinforce the familys feeling of independence from the relationship.

Family therapy is meant to strengthen relationships among its members. The therapist should be able to fade into the background eventually. Therapy is essentially a patient-driven experience. Therapists are not to be totally dependent on for breakthroughs. Therefore, healing and recovery will occur as long as the right guidance is set from the beginning. Both the family and therapist should view termination as the completion of this phase.