More Than a Goodbye: Elevating the Client Discharge Process

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Transcript

Today we’re talking about something that doesn’t always get as much attention as it should—how to successfully discharge a client from therapy.

Now, I know what you might be thinking—discharge is just the natural end of therapy, right? But here’s the thing: how we handle the discharge process can have a profound impact on our clients’ long-term success and confidence in managing their own health.

Research by Norcross and colleagues finds that eight key actions promote better client outcomes when it comes to discharge, and today, we’re going to dive into each of them. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s talk about how to create an effective, empowering, and meaningful discharge experience for our clients.

Step 1: Have a Mutual Discussion About Therapy Progress

Ending therapy isn’t just about wrapping things up—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the journey.

At the discharge meeting, we naturally talk about long-term home exercise programs, maintenance strategies, and next steps. But this is also where we pause and ask:

• How did therapy go for you?
• What progress are you most proud of?
• What challenges did we overcome together?

This step validates the client’s journey and helps them recognize just how far they’ve come.

Step 2: Discuss Future Functioning & Coping

We’re not just focused on where they are today—we want to set them up for success in the future.

Throughout therapy, we’ve been giving them tools to manage their symptoms, improve function, and build resilience. Now, it’s time to connect the dots between what they’ve learned and how they can apply it moving forward.

For example, if we’ve worked on breathwork for pelvic floor control, we might talk about how they can integrate that into exercise routines, stress management, or even sleep hygiene.

Step 3: Help Clients Use Their New Skills Beyond Therapy

We OTs naturally think about function first. We’re always habit-stacking—building skills into real-life scenarios to make them stick.

For example, let’s say a client has learned better body mechanics when lifting heavy items. We can now help them apply those same principles to:

• The way they pick up their child
• How they carry groceries
• Even the posture they use while working at a desk

We’re not just teaching skills—we’re embedding them into daily life.

Step 4: Frame Personal Development as an Ongoing Process

Healing doesn’t stop when therapy ends. It’s a lifelong journey.

Many of our clients come to us feeling frustrated or disconnected from their bodies, and through therapy, they’ve gained awareness, confidence, and self-efficacy.

We remind them:

• This is just one step in your journey—your body is always adapting and growing.
• You now have the tools to support yourself, and you can always come back for guidance if needed.

Step 5: Anticipate Post-Therapy Growth

This is the exciting part!

We are neuroplastic beings—our brains and bodies are constantly evolving. I love taking a moment with my clients to map out what comes next.

We might ask:

• Now that you're feeling stronger, what new activities do you want to try?
• How can you continue to build on the progress you've made?

By shifting their mindset from recovery to growth, we empower them to see therapy as a launchpad, not just an ending.

Step 6: Reflect on Client Gains

Sometimes, progress happens so gradually that clients don’t even realize how much they've improved.

This is where we highlight key wins—both big and small. For example:

• "Remember when you used to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes? Now, you can comfortably wait an hour and a half!"
• "At the start of therapy, bowel movements were a struggle every four days. Now, you're going every other day with ease!"

Pointing out these changes reinforces their self-efficacy—they see that they made this progress happen.

Step 7: Express Pride in Their Progress

Discharge isn’t just about checking off boxes—it’s about celebrating the journey.

Clients need to hear that their hard work matters. I always make it a point to say:

• "You’ve put in the effort, and it shows. I am so proud of the progress you’ve made."
• "You have the tools to continue this journey, and I have no doubt that you’ll keep growing."

This reinforces confidence and helps them feel supported, even as they step away from therapy.

Final Thoughts: The Parallel Between Client Discharge & Your Own Growth

Now, here’s where it gets interesting…

The same principles that create a successful client discharge apply to your own journey as a therapist.

So, let me ask you:

• What have you gained from your professional growth this year?
• How has your understanding of therapy evolved?
• What new skills are you taking with you into the future?

I encourage you to take 10 minutes today to journal about your own learning journey—just as we ask our clients to reflect on theirs.

Because whether you’re a therapist helping clients through discharge or a professional growing in your own career, the journey never really ends. There’s always more to learn, more to refine, and more to celebrate.

✨ You got this. We got this. ✨