The termination stage of a group process is actually the capstone of the entire process. This stage offers the platform for expected change in the clients as they are facing the challenge of behavior change. The termination phase comprises a detailed review and reinforcement of individual change during the entire counseling period. During this stage the client is helped to effectively tackle upcoming demands in life with the basic tools that were provided during the counseling process (Joyce et al., 2007). At this stage, it is required that the therapist guides the clients appropriately on the resolutions made during the whole counseling process.
During group ending, feelings of separation and any pending business have to be dealt with. A review of the group experience and feedback from both ends are shared. The group members share their experiences throughout the session as well as giving their feedback. The counselor is required to assist members in coping with any termination-associated feelings and also to reinforce changes made during the process. Emphasis should be made on the importance of maintaining confidentiality (Corey & Corey, 1992).
Using the WDEP-Components of Change
According to Jacobs et., al (2016), WDEP (Want, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning) theory focuses on an individual getting to know his goals in life, strengths and weaknesses with the help of the group and make the best out of the strengths to achieve the goals. The person should get to discover his or her goal in life and the required actions to achieve the goals. The group then helps the individual in keeping check of the progress of the actions towards the achievement and also in making appropriate plans. WDEP is all about group work in helping an individual make the desired change.
References
Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (1992). Groups: Process and practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Pub. Co.
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills.
Joyce, A. S., & American Psychological Association. (2007). Termination in psychotherapy: A psychodynamic model of processes and outcomes. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
