Therapeutic Termination with the Early Adolescent Who Has Experienced Multiple Losses

Often, children who come into therapy have experienced the loss of parents and/or other loved ones, losses they have not processed adequately. Due to the nature of the therapeutic relationship, these children will eventually face the loss of the therapist as well. This article suggests that the early adolescent is particularly susceptible to the trauma inherent in these losses. The authors discuss the developmental challenges of early adolescence and how issues of loss complicate this developmental period. They conclude by suggesting that preparation for the undeniable ending of the therapeutic relationship must start in the beginning of the relationship and remain as a constant theme throughout.