Ethical Considerations of Terminations and Endings
Presented by
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSWThis workshop will distinguish between termination and abandonment from an NASW ethical perspective. Case studies will highlight complexities that clinicians should assess in their termination process with clients.
Overview
3 Law and Ethics CEs Recorded: Summer, 2025
All therapeutic relationships come to an end, but exactly how should that happen? Clinicians should take care to avoid abandoning clients and instead engage in ethical termination. This workshop will distinguish between termination and abandonment from an NASW ethical perspective. Case studies will highlight complexities that clinicians should assess in their termination process with clients. Learners will feel more informed about what constitutes ethical termination and be prepared to engage in ethical termination practices with clients and avoid unethical abandonment.
Objectives: Identify and classify ethical responsibilities of therapeutic termination with clients. Describe examples of unethical abandonment and distinguish from ethical termination. Discover methods of engaging in ethical termination practices and minimizing unethical abandonment of clients.
About the Presenter
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She has held clinical positions as an outpatient and in-home therapist and clinical supervisor. Diane was an Adjunct Professor of Social Work for 10 years at The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare and a Field Liaison and Field Instructor. She has also held administrative positions as a program Director and Coordinator. Diane is a frequent local and national trainer on a wide variety of mental health and workplace development topics with clinicians and corporations. Diane is most passionate about providing quality professional development to clinicians, employees, and leaders. For fun, Diane loves to spoil her four Dachshunds and rock out to 80’s music.