Ending the Group's Work

Members often drop out of groups. Which is not a method the group worker might use to prevent premature termination?

• Pre-group training for new members

• In-group rapport building

• Reviewing data from previous terminations

• Pre-group screening of members

Answer explanation

While in-group rapport building is important, preparation is key to retaining group members. Be sure new members are a good fit, prepare new members for the group expectations and rules, and check in regularly for signs of disengagement.

When should group members be told about the worker's termination from the group?

• Two weeks prior to the worker's final group

• During the last group

• As soon as possible

• Never, it's a surprise!

Answer explanation

It's easy to forget the importance of our role as a group leader, and our departure can seriously impact members and the group dynamic. Giving them plenty of notice gives them time to process the loss and discuss it candidly as a group.

True or false:

Ideally, a new worker taking over a group would be introduced during the previous worker's last group.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Giving a new facilitator plenty of time to co-lead the group can help them understand the group dynamics and help members warm up to them

What is one especially insidious factor that often leads to relapse of symptoms in well-functioning group members?

• Underlying pathology of the group member

• Members often present better during group to save face

• Unsympathetic environments outside of the group

• Cliques within the group

Answer explanation

Have you ever heard "So many of my clients see me because the people in their lives won't get therapy"? Helping prepare members for the realities outside of the group can supplement other important work done during group.

Which is not an effective strategy for mitigating the effects of an unsympathetic environment?

• Encourage participation in self-help groups as an adjunct to treatment

• Role-play possible scenarios

• Provide on-call and crisis contacts to members

• Intervene on behalf of the member

Answer explanation

As much as we want to fight members' battles for them, lasting change happens when we teach them how to cope with people harmful to recovery on their own.

Group workers should have knowledge of the social service system. Which of the following should the worker do when making a referral?

• Call the worker's contact at the agency while the member is present and inform them the client will be contacting them

• Tell the member to call 2-1-1

• Simply provide the information. We can't work harder than our clients.

• Take care of the whole process. They have so much going on already!

Answer explanation

We have to find a balance between being a complete "fixer" and leaving clients to fend for themselves within complex systems. Passing the torch in front of the group member helps keep everyone involved accountable.

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