The ending or termination stage of the clinical interview includes which of the following issues?

• A. All of the above
• B. Being able to observe and evaluate the client's termination behavior
• C. Watching the clock to make sure there is enough time to terminate on schedule
• D. The realization that many clients find termination difficult

Answer: (A)

Ending the clinical interview involves planning for closure, consolidating progress, and ensuring a smooth transition for the client. You observe how the client handles termination to gauge readiness, attachment to the process, and any avoidance or resistance that might need attention before ending. Managing the session clock is part of professional practice too, ensuring there is enough time to summarize what was learned, review goals, address any final concerns, and arrange follow-up or referrals as needed. It’s also common for clients to find termination difficult, so clinicians anticipate this emotional response and provide structured closure, coping strategies, and information about next steps or resources. Because each of these elements typically appears in the termination phase, selecting all of the above best captures what ends up happening at this stage.