How does this phase differ from the middle phase?
In the middle phase, or the working phase, the group works on “achieving its purpose” (Schwartz, 1971). The middle phase is where the group is operates the best or deals with their difficulties. In the middle phase, members pf the group have a certain cohesion allows them to work together on common issues and initiate, on their own, the pursuit of common themes within the group (Corey, Corey, Callanan, & Russell, 2004). They are trust themselves and each other enough to give and receive honest feedback and engage in meaningful conversations, even if they might be confrontations.
The ending phase, or the termination phase, on the other hand, is …show more content…
Essentially, the key task for the group leader in the termination phase is to acknowledge the ending of the group prior to the final session (Schwartz, 1971). This helps the group members prepare for the group’s completion. The leader expresses appreciation for the accomplishments of the group members and identifies the challenges of the group members as they arrive at their completion of the group (Schwartz 1971).
In this group, Tools for Success, the matter of addressing termination of the group is slightly different, as it is an open group with changing membership. In such a group, termination should be addressed by the leader in most, if not all of the group meetings (Corey, Corey, Callanan, & Russell, 2004). When group members are leaving, the leader should prepare the members by announcing ahead of time. This gives the member(s) leaving time to process their own feelings and reactions, and also the others to process and express their thoughts about the leaving member’s …show more content…
This might be beneficial in identifying future resources and supports for group members. It would also be prudent for the group leader to keep a personal journal that evaluates the progress and changes in the group. Corey, Corey, Callanan, & Russell (2004) indicate that this could help the leader to be able to see the “trends in the group and devise changes in format or techniques for future groups.”
Again, as this is an open group with changing membership, evaluation on the effectiveness of group is ongoing and constant. Given the setting of the group in an inpatient facility, the AGSW (1998) “Best Practice Guidelines” of processing the workings and assessments of group with not only leaders and group members, but also supervisors, colleagues and other workers at the facility would be especially appropriate. These assessments could occur within, before and after termination. Given the nature of inpatient facility, it may not be appropriate, however, to conduct follow-up interviews or sessions or to encourage outside contact with the other