Final Stage of a Group, Research Paper Example

The final stage of a group is about ending the group in an effective way for the members. There are seven main tasks involved in the final stage: dealing with feelings of separation, dealing with unfinished business, reviewing the group experience, practice for behavioral change, giving and receiving feedback, ways of carrying learning further, and the use of a contract and homework. (Corey M., 2012) At this final stage, group members and leaders should give feedback that focuses on the behaviors and skills members should carry with them in their daily lives. Group members should be reminded that the end of the group is by no means the end of change in their lives. Creating action plans at the final stage of a group that members can apply to their daily lives after the group has ended is critical to group members continued success. Members should also be reminded that the group was only a means to an end and change is often slow and subtle. (Corey M., 2012) New issues should be avoided during the final stage of group. Any unfinished business of members concerning the group or other member should be discussed. Members should discuss how they feel about the group ending and should evaluate their own experience within the group through all stages. (AGPA, 2007)

During the final stage of the group leader functions address helping members to express feelings about the group ending and settling any unfinished business within the group. The leader should provide opportunities for members to give feedback to one another. Leaders should reinforce changes members have made, ensure continued access to resources for continued growth, and discuss how their learned skills will be applied in daily life. Specific contracts, homework assignments and a framework for what was learned in group should be developed for each member. For their part, members should deal effectively with the group ending, identify changes to make and how they will make them, and evaluate the impact of the group. When the group has ended the leader should be available for private consultations and schedule follow-up interviews or a group session, and should provide any referral sources needed by any member of the group. (Corey M., 2012)

References

AGPA. (2007). Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy. Retrieved July 19, 2012, from AGPA: http://www.agpa.org/guidelines/groupdevelopment.html

Corey M., C. G. (2012). Groups: Process and Practice (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.