Discussion 5

Discussion

In this lesson, we will focus on how we should close a session with a client. With session endings, the assumption is that we will continue to work with this client.

Throughout the session, social workers utilize a variety of skills. Those skills include: non-verbal communication (SOLER skills), attending, listening, summarizing, and utilizing questions. For a social worker to have successful session endings, they have to utilize the abovementioned skills effectively so that they review what has been addressed during the session(s) and then create a plan to move forward.

At the end of each session, the social worker will provide a summary, including strengths, about what was discussed in this session. Then, the social worker will ask for feedback to ensure that the summary is accurate. Finally, the social worker and the client will discuss next steps and will plan for the next session and review any tasks that need to be completed prior to the next session.

This is an important but often overlooked component of social work practice. How we as social workers end the session can set the tone for your next meeting. It is also likely that how you end your sessions can impact your working relationship with a client. For example, if you rush a client out of your office or fail to set up a follow-up meeting before they leave, the client could make assumptions about your level of investment in their change process.

As social workers, we need to reflect on our own thoughts and feelings during and after session endings. The following questions can help us both process our own feelings and think about how to improve our social work skills.

Questions to ask yourself during and after endings:

• How do I feel about this ending?
• Who can I speak with about my emotions (if needed)?
• What social work skills did I use well?
• What social work skills do I still need to improve upon?
• How can I continue to learn and adapt these skills?
• What can I learn from this professional relationship?
• How can I apply this to other professional relationships?