Encounter Group Processes For Interpersonal Growth

Carl Rogers coined the term, 'The Basic Encounter Group' to identify encounter groups that operated on the principles of the person-centered approach. It is the contention that the person-centered Basic Encounter Group is quite unique and, in fact, offers a different paradigm for group therapy. Indeed, the application of the premises of the person-centered approach in group therapy requires a re-examination of many of the usual presuppositions about group function. This includes presuppositions about leader target population, size of group, establishment of goals and ground rules, and facilitator behavior.

Written for anyone who is going to participate in a face-to-face group which has personal and interpersonal growth as its goal; explains and illustrates the anatomy of interpersonal growth-oriented groups. It is simply written and is designed to give the participant a conceptual framework for understanding group processes. The book emphasizes that the interactions that form the basis of meaningful contact in small face-to-face groups are the same kinds of interactions that promote intimacy in day-to-day living with others.

This title was first published in 2001. This title was first published in 2001. The core of this thoroughly revised book is a directory of more than 700 methods. Each entry typically comprises an explanation, a bibliography, and cross-references. Other features include a review of different approaches to classifying the methods, and two valuable appendices; the first is to help practitioners analyse their methods; the second providing details of relevant books, journals and other information sources.