ABSTRACT
This chapter is based on the work of Gerald Corey who provides an excellent model of group development. He identifies four stages of group development: initial stage, transition stage, working stage and consolidation and termination stage. The chapter includes several issues and tasks from each stage of group development. The ideas in the chapter are applied specifically to group counselling or group therapy but the overall model is applicable to other types of group. Training seminars can be effectively based on the stages of group development and the integration of Reality Therapy. Expressing the leader's own opinions – sharing perceptions about effectiveness – is quite acceptable in Reality Therapy and often constitutes an additional healthy confrontation. The stages of group development, described by Corey, are quite applicable to Reality Therapy groups. The effective reality therapist is aware that need fulfilment should be facilitated at each stage and that various needs are more prominent at various stages of development.
