What is Encounter groups? Encounter groups are a type of group therapy or personal growth experience that became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The purpose of an encounter group is to facilitate personal growth and self-awareness through open and honest communication with others in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. During an encounter group, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. The group typically meets for an extended period of time, often over the course of a weekend or longer, and participants may engage in various activities designed to promote emotional openness and interpersonal connection. Encounter groups often have a facilitator or leader who guides the group and sets ground rules for communication and interaction. Participants may engage in activities such as role-playing, sharing personal stories, and giving and receiving feedback from others in the group. The goal of encounter groups is to help participants develop greater self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, and to facilitate personal growth and transformation. While encounter groups have fallen out of favor in recent years, they continue to be used in some therapeutic and personal growth contexts.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 