What is an encounter group?
It’s a group discussion in which participants explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences that emerge between them and within themselves in the moment. The unique aspect of these groups is rooted in the attitude towards the group as a whole: the participants are not directed by the facilitator in regards to what to talk about, how to express themselves and what structure and rules should they follow. Instead the group is offered the freedom to shape the course in any way they feel the need in the here-and-now moment. The direction of the group is left to grow organically.
Characteristics
of Encounter groups
Members lead the way
The direction of an encounter group is developed in a spontaneous and natural way by the participants, without being limited by rules or predefined topics. The participants have the complete freedom to give voice to any emotion, thought or experience that rises to the surface in the present moment, without concern for societal norms or acceptance.
Spontaneity
Other than the specified time interval of the meeting, encounter groups don’t have rules and there is no pre-defined structure that needs to be followed. Everything that happens in the group is the result of the members spontaneity. This freedom can be liberating but it can also be frightening sometimes.
Experiencing over analysis
The nature of encounter groups favors experiencing from within of everything that rises to the surface in the moment. In contrast with analysis, which implies examining something from the outside, experiencing involves getting in touch with yourself and leads to sense of connectedness.
Facilitation instead of directing
The group leaders in encounter groups are called facilitators and their role is to create a safe and supportive environment for group members to explore and share their feelings, thoughts and behaviors. The facilitator encourages members to be honest and open with each other, and to give and receive feedback.
The process of an encounter group
As the group does not have a predefined structure, each meeting is unique and there is no way of knowing in advance how it will take place. What is certain is that the meeting will start with silence, which can be broken by anyone in any whey they feel deemed to. After someone breaks the silence, the rest of the group can react in any way they feel like to what has been said and a chain reaction can slowly develop.
The process however is dynamic and ever-evolving. The group might reached to a dead end on a certain topic and change to something else. Moments of silence may appear with unknown lengths.
There is no correct or wrong way to be in such a group. Everyone is invited to be in the way they feel like they need to be in the moment.
What are the benefits?
Encounter groups have a positive effect on self-awareness and personal growth. The group helps, among other things, to be more accepting of our experiences, to trust their authenticity and to embrace what they are trying to tell us.
The group can also have a profound impact on how you relate to other people. You can learn about the impact you have on other people and the impact others have on you.
As group members will be free to lead the process, our relationship with responsibility will also be explored. You may ask yourself, “Am I expressing the things I wish to express?”, “What stops me to say something?”, “Do I take responsibility for the way I influence others?”, “Do I take responsibility for the choices that are necessary to change and grow?”
Ultimately, the experience of gathering together to talk, to listen to each other and to get to know each other on a deeper level can be a wonderful experience.
Take a moment to watch this video
The Oscar awarded film named “Journey into self” depicts an encounter group facilitated by Carl Rogers and Richard Farson in the 60’s. It might give you an idea about encounter groups,