`The Light at the End of the Tunnel': Issues of Hope and Loss in Endings with Survivors Groups

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore the issue of ending and loss in a time-limited closed group for women who experienced sexual abuse in childhood. During the course of this one-year long group we found ourselves questioning our chosen model. Should we have adopted a slow-open model or offered a longer time-limited group? We were not in agreement over this. As the group progressed we began to understand our disagreement in terms of our differing countertransference responses to the issues of hope, survival and loss which were present in the group. What is needed for the ending of the group to be mourned and survived? Is it realistic to expect women who have suffered early childhood trauma to have developed this capacity within such a short time? These important questions are considered in this article.