How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 224
8. End Sessions
Goals during ending sessions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Gather Information and Focus Discussion
Continue to work towards change at the level of behaviours and beliefs
Develop family understanding about behaviours and beliefs
Secure Collaborative Decision re: Ending
Review the process of therapy
8.1 Gather Information & Focus Discussion
Information gathering and focusing the information brought by the family to sessions is still important
towards the end of therapy, though the focus of the information is likely to be considerably different.
•
The Presenting difficulties or issues:
There will still be a lot of information shared about the difficulties with which the family are struggling,
though the focus will be on changes that have arisen concerning these issues over the course of therapy.
•
Solutions and Successes to date:
There should be a considerable amount of discussion about the solutions that the family are now
implementing in relation to the difficulties, as well as the successes they feel they have achieved so far, and
those they are looking forward to in the future. If the family are slipping into focusing on the difficulties, it
will be important to enquire further about the successes about which the therapist has heard over the course
of therapy, which the family are currently neglecting.
•
The System / Wider system:
There should be a considerable decrease in the amount of information shared about the system and wider
system. Of the information that is shared it is likely to be in relation to how the difficulties are
showing/decreasing in other contexts. Also supports in the wider network which may be drawn upon once
therapy has concluded are often explored.
8.2 Continue to work towards change at the level of behaviours and beliefs
As in middle sessions the therapist and family are continuing to work towards change at the levels of belief
and behaviour. The methods they use can incorporate any of those highlighted in the middle session. See
section 7.4. However it is more common in end sessions for the focus to be on the following methods:
Amplifying change: In order to maximise the change or potential change that is occurring throughout
the course of therapy it will be important for the therapist to focus on statements the family present
about progress. Initially these aspects may be minimal, or presented in a manner by the family which
denies the magnitude of the effort or progress they have made. The therapist should focus on
descriptions of actions where the family could be seen to have initiated or implemented change, in a
manner, which is positive, but sensitive to the family’s level of confidence that change has occurred.
Enhancing mastery: To encourage the family to gain a sense of mastery or control over their situation,
their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This is to enable the family members to take responsibility for
their own roles and actions, and for the process of change. In addition should enable family members to
gain an awareness of the actions and motivations of other people in their family in achieving change.
Challenging existing patterns and assumptions: To move with the family to a position where they are
able to query their own beliefs, perceptions and feelings. The ther