Shulman elaborates on the importance of ending the group, the phases involved, helping members to make the appropriate transitions, and the dangers involved following the termination of the group help. Therefore, the principal topic in this field is about ending the group and helping the members make the appropriate transitions. The author notes that critical assumptions are often associated with endings (Shulman, 2016). The author assumes that the ending is always painful and difficult, a tendency to avoid discussion and that the members can easily create an illusion of work. It is also assumed that members end with each other and the work. The ending phase includes denial, direct/indirect expression of anger, mourning, “trying it for size,” and the farewell party syndrome.
Regarding social work, one learns the importance of the process and consequences of ending the social help group upon completion and achieving the objectives. As a social worker and group leader, it is important to use the knowledge and skills gained from this chapter to ensure that members transition to the next and appropriate stages (Shulman, 2016). THE intervention in the ending stage determines the success of the group and the ability of the members to transition appropriately (Shulman, 2016). All group leaders must point out endings early enough and start at least three meetings before the final one. Moreover, they should identify emerging stages, such as lack of lethargy or energy, and ensure that the members’ feelings are addressed. In addition, the group leaders need to share both positive and negative feelings and consider the helpful and non-helpful aspects of the group. The process and content connections should be identified in the process.
In my group internship, this process will be critical upon completing our period in the organization. I will engage the members in identifying the objectives that were achieved and those that were missed. We will hold meetings to discuss the issues pertaining to achieving our objectives and determine what we missed. This will include looking at the behavior change among the children in the group aged between 7 and 9 years. I will consider the achievements in terms of the changes in behavior, anxiety, and special education attainments. I will consider how the children will transition to the next class in elementary school.
Reference
Shulman, L. (2016). The skills of helping individuals, families, groups, and communities. Brooks/Cole.