The stage theory of group work is defined as “goal-directed activity with small groups of people aimed at meeting socio-emotional needs and accomplishing tasks. This activity is aimed at individual members of a group and the group as a whole” (Magen, 1998, p. 123). By having a good definition of what group work stage theory is, we are able to understand the process. In doing so, this essay will describe each step of the group work stage theory, apply it to facilitation tasks, integrate it into the laboratory group we are participating in, and critically reflect on how I believe I performed as a group work facilitator. .The first step in the group work stage theory is to form a group. This step concerns the formation of a collective plan. Corey and Corey (1997) describe this step as extremely important in terms of expressing the expectations and results you will get from the group. This means that the better the planning, the better the results for the group and if planning is lacking, it will show later in the group. In our particular lab group, our planning involved developing a lesson plan for a support group for parents who were having problems with their children's behavior, or for a group of young adults who were using drugs and alcohol. 'alcohol. As group leaders, we were tasked with developing a ten-week plan together. Corey, Corey and Corey (2010) explain that careful thought and planning is required in order to lay a solid foundation for any type of group, which should be taken into account when facilitating either of these groups; or any other group, regardless of the severity of the problem. The type of group we facilitate is known as a “formed group”. Garvin (1986) describes groups trained to...... middle of paper ......p in understanding each step, as well as critically reflecting on my own performance as a facilitator. Works Cited Boller, S. (2005). Teamwork training. Baltimore, MD: Victor Graphics, Inc. Corey, M., & Corey, G. (1997). Groups: Process and Practice (5th ed.). Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole. Corey, M., Corey, G. & Corey, C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Doel, M. (2005). Use group work. London, New York: Routledge. Garvin, C. (1986). Innovations in social group work: Feedback from practice to theory (2nd ed.). London, England: The Haworth Press. Magen, R, H. (1998). Practice with groups (2nd ed.). Foundations of social work practice (pp. 188-208). Washington, DC: NASW Press. Maxwell, J, C. (2008). Teamwork 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc...