This stage is characterized by helping members decide if a particular group is for them and orienting members to how the group works .

Party responsible for organizing the practical details for the group meetings.

This group norm shows motivation and personal investment in the group process.

This dynamic cannot be avoided and if handled successfully, the level of trust in the group will increase.

This is a sample response from the group leader to Maria yelling, “Leticia hasn’t said anything for an hour and it makes me mad. I feel like she is taking notes on us or something!”

In this stage expectations and fears are discussed given that group members are mostly concerned with inclusion, acceptance, and trust.

Party responsible for being proactive in becoming informed of all specifics of the group to determine if the group is right for them.

This norm depicts being personal and sharing meaningful aspects of themselves.

This characteristic demonstrates congruence between a person’s inner experience and what they project externally.

This is a sample response from the group leader to Matt feeling like Charlie is feeling sorry for himself and saying "everybody gets homesick sometimes, but he uses it to not get any work done. He needs to grow up and get a life!”

This stage is characterized by dealing with conflict, defensiveness, resistance and increased anxiety in group members.

Party responsible for recognizing conflict and encouraging resolution of it.

This clause is stated at the beginning of every therapeutic group session to help ensure privacy and safety of group members.

This dynamic is manifested by behaviors such as competition, rivalry, and challenges to the leadership.

“My fear for you is that you will judge yourself more harshly than others?” is an example of this type of clinical statement.

This stage is most clearly associated with dealing with personal issues and translating insights into action.

This norm allows members to see their interpersonal style as it unfolds and to express and explore conflict in order to minimize unverbalized thoughts and feelings.
unverbalized thoughts and feelings.

This quality allows for progress predictably and high level of productivity in a group, however it may need to be reestablished in the working stage.

“Lorena has a bad problem. Diabetes is bad. I know because my mother has it. Lorena didn’t get her research paper done, but she couldn’t help it.”

In this stage tasks such as creating a cohesive support system in/outside of group, reviewing highlights of the group, teaching members about possible setbacks, and reminding members about confidentiality.

Party responsible for ensuring that confidentiality within the (clinical) group is absolute, without limitations.

These norms are expected to occur in members' personal lives after the group experience.

This dynamic involves the release of pent-up feelings.

"I smoked marijuana back when it wasn't so bad..." is an example of inappropriate use of this type of clinical technique.