Premature termination in counseling is typically considered which of the following?

• A. Beneficial for short-term goals
• B. Irrelevant to treatment outcomes
• C. Problematic across settings
• D. Preferred in most therapeutic approaches

Answer: (C)

Premature termination means ending counseling before the client has reached the planned goals or completed the planned course of treatment. This is problematic across settings because stopping early cuts off opportunities to solidify gains, practice new skills, and develop relapse prevention plans, leaving problems only partially addressed. It also disrupts the therapeutic alliance and continuity of care, which are essential for real-world functioning and coordination with other providers. Consequently, early termination is linked to poorer treatment outcomes and a higher risk of relapse, making it unlikely to be desirable in most approaches. It’s not beneficial for short-term goals, not irrelevant to outcomes, and not something therapists aim for; termination should be planned and occur when goals are met or when continued care is no longer indicated, with safeguards like follow-up or referrals as needed.