ABSTRACT
It is helpful for therapists to have a checklist in their minds as the session ends. This may be a time for the therapist to briefly reflect with the couple on what kind of session has happened: a Skills-building session, and a Breakthrough session. This helps the couple understand what has taken place. Freedman and Combs describe the ending of a session in which the therapist, after expressing regret that there was not more time to explore the issues, takes the time to, 'name what stood out from the conversation'. This is an example of summarizing as a way of ending the session. Ending is time for the work to be finished and for the couple to go on their way. Payment and scheduling may be addressed. Challenging issues such as handling post-session effects may arise. The session is over, but not completely since the couple has yet to leave. The last section involves the couple going out the door.
