Which is an appropriate closing statement after a counseling session?

• A. We'll discuss closing tasks
• B. We'll plan a follow-up appointment
• C. We'll meet again to monitor your progress
• D. We'll end the session here

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to close a session in a way that reinforces ongoing care and helps the client stay engaged in the therapeutic process. Saying we’ll meet again to monitor your progress communicates that therapy is a continued, collaborative endeavor. It sets a clear expectation that the next session will focus on assessing change, evaluating what’s working, and adjusting strategies as needed. This kind of closing supports the therapeutic alliance, maintains motivation, and provides accountability, which are all important for progress.

Ending with a statement that ends the session without a plan for follow-up can feel abrupt and leave the client uncertain about next steps. Simply discussing closing tasks can be vague and not reassure the client about ongoing support. While planning a follow-up appointment is good, emphasizing monitoring progress explicitly highlights how therapy will track change over time and ensures there’s a concrete plan to revisit goals and outcomes in the future.