Termination of Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents in the Institutional Contexts from the Parents’ Perspective

Abstract

Introduction. Knowing the forms of termination of psychotherapy and the associated factors allows us to understand this moment of treatment and to think about strategies to improve the process. Objective. The present study seeks to identify the types of termination of psychotherapy in children and adolescents and the factors that influence them in two psychological care centers. Methodology. A quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional design was used, with a descriptive and association scope; 100 patients (48 children and 52 adolescents) were surveyed. Results. Four types of termination were found: due to institutional or therapist factors, attributed to factors external to the treatment, due to user dissatisfaction, and achievement of objectives. Some associations between them and the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the treatment were identified. Discussion. Institutional aspects and external conditions to the patient must be considered in constructing intervention strategies for this population. In addition, educating parents on psychological intervention and its institutional scope is required to modulate the expectations associated with the process.