Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Closing a Session or Group ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Chapter 15 – Summarizing and Highlighting the Main Points – Reinforcing Commitments – Checking for Unresolved Issues Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Purposes and Goals of the closing Phase ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved The Closing Phase Dyads followed by comments to the group Members summarize Leader summarizes Written reactions Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Rounds ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Formats for Closing a Session Tie together themes and issues Draw out summary comments, especially from quiet members Encourage positive feedback or “wishes’ Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Be clear on the purpose of the closing phase Use cutting off skills to avoid new material ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Helpful Closing Techniques Alerting members to reactions outside the group— the closeness in the group may not be the same with their significant others Handling criticism of the session Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Allowing time for a member present for the first time to share Allowing time for a member who is leaving ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Other Closing Issues Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Purpose and Goals of the Closing Stage – reviewing and summarizing the experience – assessing members’ growth and change – finishing business – applying change to everyday life – providing feedback – handling goodbyes – planning for continued problem resolution ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved The Closing Stage Written feedback to the leader or members Handouts highlighting key points Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Rounds/Dyads comments about the group experience Wishes encouragement for members to continue to work on issues Reunion fantasy ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Exercises During the Closing Stage Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Dealing with feelings of separation Recognizing that members may feel closer to one another than to family and friends Guarding against ending with strong emotion Helping members in their transition Conducting exit interviews for feedback and/or referral ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Considerations for the Closing Stage Ending with a social experience usually not a good idea for counseling/therapy groups Depending on group purpose, encouraging networking among members Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Holding follow-up sessions Evaluating the group ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Considerations for the Closing Stage ... cutting off skills to avoid new material ©2016 Cengage Learning All rights reserved Helpful Closing Techniques Alerting members to reactions outside the group the closeness in the group may not... a division of Cengage Learning, Inc Purpose and Goals of the Closing Stage – reviewing and summarizing the experience – assessing members’ growth and change – finishing business – applying change... the Closing Stage Ending with a social experience usually not a good idea for counseling/ therapy groups Depending on group purpose, encouraging networking among members Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole,