You have a client who says he is satisfied with progress and wants to continue; as an ethical counselor, what is the recommended approach?

• A. Unconditionally terminate therapy
• B. Identify new goals for treatment and continue
• C. Do nothing
• D. Identify new goals for treatment; if none, set termination date and refer

Answer: (D)

When a client reports solid progress and asks to keep working, the counselor should shift to goal-based planning. Start by revisiting what has been achieved and checking for any lingering concerns or new areas to address. If there are meaningful new objectives the client wants to pursue, identify those goals and plan to continue therapy with a renewed focus. If there aren’t viable goals to pursue, establish a termination date and arrange a referral to another qualified professional or service to ensure the client has appropriate ongoing support.

This approach respects the client’s autonomy and the ethical obligation to avoid unnecessary or premature termination while maintaining care continuity. It also keeps therapy purposeful—either by pursuing new, concrete goals or by ensuring a safe, planned exit with a handoff to maintain support.