Sociology

In this model of the family life-cycle, I like the aspect of mutual termination, when both the therapist and the family agree to end the therapeutic relationship. This is because in mutual termination both parties concur that the familys issues have been successfully resolved based on the initial benchmarks. Another reason is that this phase comes up after the mutual understanding that the issues before the therapist cannot be resolved through the current relationship. Despite the fact that it is the therapist who initiates termination heshe is prompted to do so based on the achievements of the therapeutic relationship.  This is an informed phase since it takes into account all family members needs. For example, family members who may not be ready to terminate are counseled thoroughly in subsequent phases, though they may be less frequent.

In my own brand of family therapy, I will most likely integrate the establishment of termination goals into the therapeutic process. Since it consolidates the gains made in the therapeutic process by integrating the issues resolved, the skills learned and the new behaviors mastered and preparing the family for life after therapy by empowering them and building their confidence in areas they are likely to confront in the future.

I will least likely incorporate the therapist initiated terminations. Because, these are terminations initiated for reasons other than achievement of therapeutic goals. Although therapist initiated terminations may be due to unavoidable circumstances such as geographical relocation it will nave to refer the family to another therapist just because I fell incompetent to resolve their needs. In addition, though it is advisable to notify the family in advance unavoidable circumstances may arise, thus notifying the family through unprofessional means such as terminating the therapeutic process via phone calls andor emails instead of scheduling for an adequate number of sessions prior to termination.