A Portfolio of Academic, Therapeutic Practice and Research Work Including an Investigation of Planned and Premature Termination of Psychological Therapy With Individual Clients.

The aim of this study was, firstly, to determine the nature of planned and premature termination. Secondly, to determine the outcome of premature termination. Thirdly, to determine whether there is a relationship between the importance attached to planned termination by counselling psychologists and the nature of planned and premature termination and the outcome of premature termination. A semi-structured questionnaire was completed by fifty-five counselling psychologists. The data obtained from the questionnaire was analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. The results of the study indicated that counselling psychologists were most likely to address the issue of termination in the final phase of psychological therapy. Most counselling psychologists stated that they reviewed therapeutic work in the final phase of psychological therapy. Counselling psychologists who placed importance on termination issues were significantly more likely to address the issue of termination in the beginning phase of psychological therapy. Counselling psychologists reported that the most common reaction in clients they had had to prematurely terminate with was that of emotional distress. They also reported that being in a real relationship with clients as being most helpful for them during premature termination along with clarity and control related issues