REVISITING OPEN GROUPS

Authors

  • Michael Henry Lawrence Weston Family Centre (Bernardo’s), Bristol

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v1i3.1376

Abstract

Open groups represent a substantial part of the everyday practice of groupworkers, yet comparatively few contributions exist to conceptualise this form of groupwork. This paper reviews the literature on open groups and begins to identify the major themes. Several definitions and contexts are given as examples of open groups, and the question, ‘why do it this way?’ is explored. Open group process is discussed — group cohesion, and member entry and exit, feature as important elements. Based on these ideas, and with practice insights, a profile and a basic typology are presented and used to illustrate further understanding of open group structures and processes. The paper concludes with some hey questions for practice.

 

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Author Biography

Michael Henry, Lawrence Weston Family Centre (Bernardo’s), Bristol

Deputy Project Leader

How to Cite

Henry, M. REVISITING OPEN GROUPS. Groupwork, 1(3), 215-228. https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v1i3.1376

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Articles