How Does a Clinician Say Goodbye?

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Session Type: AALS Programs

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: N/A

Room: Salon 5 and 8

Floor: Third Floor

A clinical teacher says many goodbyes, and they are rarely easy. Law clinicians constantly confront the seldom taught, but recurring and essential moment of goodbye. Do we end professional relationships as thoughtfully and intentionally as we begin them? How can we craft endings that honor the full dignity of the clients and students to whom we say farewell? This session explores the dynamics of goodbye at two salient moments: first, teaching students to say goodbye to clients, and second, saying goodbye ourselves to students. We will explore the principles, brainstorm new ideas and frameworks, and collect constructive practices from the attendees. The session will end with Jean’s brief reflections on her impending retirement from clinical teaching.