Wish Box/Bubble
Suggested Group(s): Young/Middle/Teen/Adult
Purpose: To provide a closing ritual for the group and to encourage looking into the future
Task/need: Group structure, relating the loss to a context of meaning, receiving continued support
Activity Setup Ideas:
- Begin by acknowledging that the group is ending and thanking group members for their contribution to the group throughout the entire session.
- Let the members know that you are aware that endings can be difficult because of the relationships formed through the course of a group. As a way of wrapping up the group, we are going to share some wishes for group members as they move forward.
Materials:
- Small box, clear plastic "bubble," or other small container
- Small strips of paper
- Markers (if using bubbles — markers for writing on plastic), stickers, etc. to decorate the box/bubble
- Pens, pencils
Description: Give each group member a small box or other container to decorate as he/she wishes. Provide the group members with enough strips of paper to write a wish for each other group member. Have each member write a wish for each of the other group members and take turns receiving their wishes from all the members of the group and placing them in his/her box.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas:
- Invite the group to view their wishes in their own time at home.
- Reflect on the good and sometimes difficult work that has taken place during the group and the relationships made during the session.
- Thank the group for giving you the privilege of being with them during their grief journey and wish them well in their futures.
