In ending a group experience such as this one it is important for group members to process and prepare by looking back over the course of the group's life, reflecting on what has been learned and its meaning. It is helpful to talk about and anticipate the final session in the weeks that precede it. As the group ends, some discussion should focus on the life-long process of self-reflection that the group has begun together. Students should discuss pastimes or activities they can engage in that will help them maintain connection with and awareness of their inner thoughts and feelings, and help them to continue the work begun in the group. At this time, the keeping of a journal can be discussed. Several examples, using both words and artistic images, appear in the bibliography and should be available for students to look at.
At the session before the group's last session, the group should discuss and reflect on themes and issues that were important for each participant. Students can be asked to discuss what they have learned, what was the most fun, what things they will continue to think about, and what they will miss most. Group members might be asked to complete the following thought: "I used to think of myself as ... now I think of myself as…". Each member of the group might respond aloud, giving the entire group a sense of the changes and growth experienced by each of them. During this session, the group should plan something special for the final group meeting.
At the last session, students should be encouraged to talk about their feelings as the group ends. An evaluation (Appendix IV, or refer to Peterson, 1995, p. 196-7 for sample evaluations) might be distributed to students, asking them to describe their thoughts and feelings about the group experience.
