First impression is very important as it determines how others response in next. Same, leader begins the group with boring, inappropriately uses a formal businesslike manner, opening with mini-lecture and spent too long to discuss on meeting time, rules, and frequency of meetings, or introduction of every member too long that make members are most likely will not join the group anymore. So, the way of begin the first session of group is most important factor that determine whether the members will stay in the group.
Not only leader him/herself need to be consisting good helper characteristics such as positive regard, trust and so on, but also need to consider about how to control the tone of the group and the comfort level of members by conducting some exercises for opening the first session. Moreover, leader needs to help member get acquainted by remembering each other name. It can help members feel more at ease. There are several ways that can be conducted by leader to remember name such as ”repeat round”, “introduction Dyad”, “Repeated Dyad” and so on. Leader should make sure that introduction will not take more than 5 minutes. Also, the kinds of introduction will be used is depend on the size of group.
Moreover, setting a positive tone is more important in every first session, especially for non-voluntary group. Positive atmosphere includes leader’s enthusiasm and members’ comfort and trust, cutting off negative interaction, shifting focus and focus on interesting topics. In order to ensure positive tone in group, leader should get everyone to share, be enthusiastic, be warm and inviting, and be creative for non-voluntary group.
Leader should clarify explain the purpose of group, the role of leader as well as the group rules to the members. Also, leader should clarify out what is the expectation of members toward the group, the comfort level of members and assessing their interaction style so that the group counselling can run smoothly and able to adjust the plan.