Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

During the transitional stage of group counseling, members are primarily focused on overcoming anxiety and defensiveness. This stage is characterized by members beginning to confront their feelings and reactions related to others in the group, which can lead to heightened apprehension and protective behaviors. The uncertainty about how to share and connect with others often manifests as defensive communication, reluctance to engage, or fear of vulnerability.

As group members work to navigate this stage, they gradually become more comfortable with expressing themselves and addressing their concerns, which fosters a supportive environment for personal growth. Through this process, they learn to manage their anxieties and defensiveness, allowing for deeper connections that lay the groundwork for further development in the group.

While building trust, developing leadership among members, and achieving group goals are important aspects of group dynamics, these typically emerge more prominently in later stages once the initial anxieties have been addressed and members feel more secure in their interactions with one another.