The ending stage of the clinical interview includes which issues?

• A. All of the above
• B. Observing termination behavior
• C. Watching the clock to ensure time
• D. Realizing termination is difficult

Answer: (A)

The ending stage centers on closing the session in a way that acknowledges progress, manages time, and attends to emotions about ending. Observing termination behavior means the clinician looks for cues that the client is ready to end—these can be verbal indications or shifts in engagement—so closure can be smooth and goals can be reviewed. Watching the clock to ensure time reflects the practical need to wrap up within the session boundaries, allowing time for a brief summary and to plan next steps. Realizing termination is difficult captures the natural emotional reactions clients often have as sessions end; recognizing and addressing these feelings is a key part of respectful, ethical closure and helps maintain the therapeutic relationship. Since each of these aspects can appear in the final phase, the option that includes all of them best describes the ending stage.