ABSTRACT
Julia was assigned to facilitate a mixed gender group of young adults who were working on relationship issues. This group was advertised as an open group that would meet weekly for 24 weeks. The open group was formed to take into account members' work, school, and family schedules. Julia had planned the group to focus on issues identified by members and the group and to develop their communication skills and relating attributes. All members attended the first two sessions, agreed on the goals for the group, and set personal goals. As the group progressed, Julia found herself becoming frustrated and somewhat disappointed. It seemed that whatever she planned for a session could not be accomplished because of members' absences. For example, it was impossible to follow-up on a member's intense emotional disclosure when the member did not appear at the next session. Or, group members would not explore or discuss the previous session's topic, disclosures, or theme, but focused instead on a new member entering the group. Or, a conflict that emerged in one session could not be discussed or resolved because one, both, or some members were absent in subsequent sessions.
