Chapter 18 - Termination

Abstract

Termination in the Focal groups is tied to the time and duration that has been clearly specified within the initial orientation. The termination in the Focal groups, similar to that in short-term psychodynamic groups, is utilized to focus the therapy and expedite the therapeutic work. Tying everything together is a typical issue dealt with during the termination stage of Focal groups. Although a client's termination from a group is hardly a part of starting groups, it is, nonetheless, something about which one wants to do some thinking before entering the arena. Furthermore, the chapter explains short-term psychodynamic groups. In short-term psychodynamic groups in which there are fluid, easy entrance, and exit policies; the work is conceptualized as a stage of therapy being completed. The group member has set specific goals to be completed in a specific time frame. The group member does not think she or he has graduated but has finished a piece of work or negotiated a state of life. The group member leaves, entertaining the notion that she may be back in therapy in the future to complete other pieces of therapeutic work which are impairing her life's functioning. In short-term groups, termination is utilized more as a way of focusing the treatment and expediting the therapeutic work.