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Forsyth (2014) talks about support groups and indicate that the purpose of a support group is to provide support and encouragement to others who have experienced similar problems and stressors. Forsyth states, "Support gropus are communities of similar sufferers and all coping with the same kind of problem" (2014, p. 551). Corey, Corey, & Haynes (2014) discuss the initial stages of a group and various techniques that can be used during the initial stages of a group. Many of the tools they use can be used in a support group for women who have experienced miscarriage and/or stillbirth.
Corey et. al (2014) mentioned several ideas in helping introduce members into the group, including allowing members to become comfortable with their environment by looking around at all of the other people in the group and then allowing group members to introduce themselves. Corey et. al (2014) also discuss the allowing the group to break into partners so that they can spend time talking one on one with another person in the group. It would be very important for members of a support group for women who have experienced loss through miscarriage and stillbirth to break into smaller groups so that they can begin building trust and safety with members of the group. It would also be helpful for members to come back together as a whole and share with the group what they shared with their partner. The group leader should facilitate group participation and sharing. In addition, Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill (2016) discuss the importance of having group members look at other group members when they are talking, stating that "It is helpful in involving other members, building group cohesion, and creating an atmosphere of belonging" (p. 118).
Reference: Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Forsyth, D. R. (2014). Group dynamics (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
Jacobs, E. E., Masson, R. L., Harvill, R. L., & Schimmel, C. J. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.