ABSTRACT
Endings in groups need attention and management as they tend to arouse strong feelings and anxieties. For this reason, endings are often ignored; groups collude in pretending they are not happening or that they are not important in order to keep emotions at bay. It is not only facilitators who find endings difficult. Just consider one's old school groups. One of the problems encountered in endings by facilitators is that people either take them too seriously or not seriously enough and, as everyone has their own pattern of behaviour in ending, that creates competing tensions in the group. Various behaviours which characterise endings issues are: premature leaving of the group or meeting; withdrawal through lateness or disengagement; and resentment if unfinished business has not been attended to during the life of the group. Endings include: summary of main points; action planning; an opportunity to discuss any other business; and an agreement as to the time of the next meeting.
