Which is a recommended counselor action during termination of group process?

• A. Examine their own feelings about termination.
• B. Avoid discussing ending to prevent distress.
• C. End the session abruptly.
• D. Queue additional sessions beyond needs.

Answer: (A)

Focusing on the counselor’s own reactions to endings is essential in group termination. By examining their feelings about termination, the counselor avoids letting personal sadness, relief, or fear color the group’s experience and can model how to process endings in a healthy, real way. This self-reflection helps the counselor manage countertransference, plan the closure thoughtfully, and guide the group through concluding activities, reflections on progress, and how to apply what was learned after the group ends. When the counselor is clear about their own response, they can facilitate a genuine, collaborative ending for participants, address unfinished business, and ensure appropriate referrals or supports are in place if needed.

Why the other approaches don’t fit: avoiding discussion about ending deprives members of essential closure and a chance to process emotions about the breakup of the group; ending the session abruptly disrupts the therapeutic rhythm and prevents meaningful reflection on progress; scheduling more sessions beyond need can create dependency and misuse of resources.