Mini Workshop 7 - Embracing Dialectics ‘til the End - Live Demonstration of Effective Termination Strategies in DBT for Adolescents

If only therapy could last forever! Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on the week), every DBT treatment relationship must come to an end. Ending treatment in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with skill is as critical as starting it, yet many clinicians struggle with navigating termination effectively—especially with adolescents in DBT, who may have heightened rejection sensitivity or fears of abandonment. Termination is not just a necessary step; it’s an intervention in itself, reinforcing hard-earned skills, fostering independence, and honoring the therapeutic relationship while ensuring a structured and intentional goodbye.
This interactive workshop will break down the key elements of effective termination in DBT, including assessing readiness to end Stage 1 treatment, addressing both client and therapist reactions, and using DBT-specific strategies—such as validation, dialectical approaches, and behaviorally based interventions—to support the transition. We will explore common challenges, including emotional reactions, behavior bursts, and logistical concerns, while modeling how to structure final sessions to consolidate treatment gains and support relapse prevention.
Through live, unscripted role plays of termination discussions at different points in treatment, we will demonstrate practical strategies for helping youth and families “check the facts” on fears surrounding termination, balancing the meaningful therapeutic relationship with the reality of ending treatment, and integrating closure rituals—such as a phone number “blocking ceremony” or a structured review of progress. Along the way, we will highlight essential techniques for managing emotions during termination, both for clients and therapists (because saying “bye-bye” isn’t always easy!).
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to identify indicators of readiness for termination, apply skills to navigate emotional reactions, and structure final sessions effectively to support a successful transition. Ample time will be provided for discussion and Q&A.

Recommended Reading 1: Norcross, J. C., Zimmerman, B. E., Greenberg, R. P., & Swift, J. K. (2017). Do all therapists do that when saying goodbye? A study of commonalities in termination behaviors. Psychotherapy, 54(1), 66.

Recommended Reading 2: Conley, C. (2024). Lingering... When it may be time to say good-bye in DBT: Preventing harm in DBT treatment. DBT Bulletin, 8(2), 4–7. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62e933212ea2a15419c196cd/t/6734f14b7772691922ac85bd/1731522891822/DBTBulletin_V8_I2.pdf

Recommended Reading 3: Barnett, J. E., Knapp, S., Handelsman, M. M., & Kastenberg, J. E. (2024). Key issues and recommendations for ethical and effective endings in psychotherapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 55(2), 129.