Concepts for Effective Facilitation of Open Groups

Abstract

Despite a lack of literature on open groups, groups with open and changing membership certainly take place in practice. Some practices with open-ended and single-session groups, detailed in the literature, have relevance for open groups. Four concepts that can help workers address the unpredictable dynamics and diverse membership characteristic of open groups are planning and preparation, worker self-awareness, worker flexibility, and group cohesion. Helpful illustrations of each concept draw on the author's experience with open groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescents. A suggested framework for facilitating a session of any open group is offered.

Keywords:

• open groups
• open membership
• LGBT youth
• practice skills
• group cohesion
• open-ended groups
• single-session groups