The 5 Steps to a Successful Termination

As my last day at Music Therapy Services is quickly approaching, (June 21st) I have already started the termination process with my clients. Here are the 5 steps to make the termination process a success:

1. Announce it is going to end
This is the reason why it's ending. In my case, I'm moving. Make sure you, as a therapist, are emotionally ready and stable to let your clients know. Feelings will come up*.
2. Set a time frame
How many more sessions will the client/group have with you? Perhaps hand out calendars or make a visual aide depending on how they process information. I gave some of my older clients iCalendars with a countdown (ie. Two weeks left, one week left, last music together). During sessions with some of my younger clients, I use a picture schedule, with a picture of me for each week remaining.
3. Have a Plan
How will we use the remaining time together? Do we need to change our expectations of each other? What sorts of interventions should be implemented in the last several weeks?
4. Review what our goals have been
What sorts of goals and objectives have we been focusing on? Have they been successful? Should they be updated in order to meet that goal within the allotted time frame?
5. Plan new music opportunities for the rest of your time together
Plan and schedule interventions that will allow for closure. Maybe an intervention that allows a 'gift' to be provided after you go your separate ways. Things such as CD's, music videos, DVD's, recordings, song-writing interventions are always appropriate. Your final session is when you say your final goodbyes and present a 'gift' to your client.


* Identify and Express Feelings: Whether this be verbally or musically. Hopefully you have spent enough time with your client that you are able to identify signs of anger, denial, sadness, frustration. If unable to verbally express, plan interventions that will allow expression through music (drum improvisation, music listening, song writing, drawing/coloring to music, etc).

*Encourage and Empower the client: Let them know they'll be okay on their own, without you. If possible, always refer your clients to another music therapist, and process the transition with them. If not, let them know that although we won't be seeing each other, we will always remember the times we've had together. This is where the 'gift' makes it easier for a younger client.

Next post I'll discuss the three things you should tell your client before you say goodbye.