ABSTRACT
Five significant issues confront leaders of an open group: voluntary versus involuntary group members; inconsistent attendance; screening and orientation; integrating new members; and planned or premature termination. Some of these issues and concerns also apply to other types of groups, but can be more influential on open groups as they are closely related to establishing trust and safety, the therapeutic alliance; addressing group level concerns such as group level resistance; the emergence of therapeutic factors; moving through or developing group stages; and other group functions and factors. This discussion will focus on describing the six significant issues and concerns listed as they relate to the open group, and suggestions are provided for how to address these. Also addressed are the importance for planning and a suggested planning procedure.
