In ethical practice, when it is clear the client is not benefiting from counseling, what is appropriate?

• A. End the counseling relationship only after supervisor approval.
• B. Continue even if there is no progress.
• C. End the counseling relationship and arrange for continuation of care if appropriate.
• D. End the counseling relationship immediately with no follow-up.

Answer: (C)

When counseling isn’t benefiting the client, the ethical priority is to act in their best interest by reassessing and ensuring there is a safe, appropriate path forward. If there’s clear lack of progress, continuing the same approach indefinitely isn’t in the client’s best interest and can waste resources or cause harm. The responsible move is to end the counseling relationship and arrange for continuation of care if appropriate. This means explaining the assessment to the client, ensuring a smooth transition, and providing referrals or coordinating with another provider or level of care so they can still pursue help.

Ending with supervisor approval before any action isn’t the defining requirement here; the focus is on safeguarding the client’s welfare through a planned transfer or referral. Options that keep the same approach despite no progress or that terminate with no follow-up leave the client without needed support and are not ethical.