During the termination phase of counseling, which client reaction is commonly observed?

During the termination phase of counseling, acting out behavior is often observed as a common client reaction. This phase can evoke a range of emotions, including anxiety, fear of loss, and uncertainty regarding life after counseling. Clients may feel vulnerable about the impending end of their therapeutic relationship, and as a way to cope with these feelings, they might engage in acting out behaviors.

Such behaviors can manifest as challenges in expressing emotions appropriately or involuntary displays of frustration and insecurity. Clients might also resist the termination process itself or express anger or sadness in more impulsive or disruptive ways. This acting out can be a form of emotional release or a bid for attention, reflecting their struggles with the change that comes with ending the counseling relationship. Recognizing and processing these behaviors is crucial for both the client and counselor, as it presents an opportunity to address unresolved issues and reinforce the skills and insights gained during therapy.

In contrast, defensiveness, apathy, and lack of trust, while they can occur in the termination phase, do not capture the dynamic emotional expression often seen with acting out behavior. Clients may become defensive as a means of self-protection, show apathy as a defense mechanism against loss, or express a lack of trust, particularly if the counseling process has