Encounter groups

Person-centred encounter groups provide an environment where you are supported and encouraged to examine your feelings and actions in relation to yourself and others.

This is a unique way to meet others.  There is no agenda, and nobody is in charge.  Each unstructured meeting takes its own course, with all participants treated as equals, just like an encounter would in person-centred therapy.  Each individual brings the attitudes of caring, acceptance and trust.  Each can therefore provide the therapeutic conditions for any other.  The group becomes the therapist, and all can grow in the presence of the group.

The focus is the experiences and responses of those present.  It is about sharing the subjectivity of our experience in the here-and-now.  How open can you be among others?  How receptive can you be the openness of others?

The training of person-centred therapists often makes use of encounter groups, because this form of therapy/ counselling/ coaching relies upon the therapist being as open and ‘real’ as possible, rather than adopting the persona of a clinician.  These groups are are great way to learn how to be more authentic, relaxed and confident in the presence of others.

The encounter group concept was developed by the famous psychotherapist Carl Rogers and others, and is currently enjoying a revival as more people seek meaningful interactions with others, better self-knowledge, and greater authenticity as individuals.

Research shows that encounter groups can facilitate significant growth in authenticity and sensitivity to others (emotional intelligence).  In other words they are highly therapeutic.

Encounter groups will be held on about four weekends each year.

Some encounter groups are held online, some here in Cornwall or Devon.

The number of participants will be limited to a minimum of five participants and a maximum of 10, for both online and face-to-face groups.  (With larger groups here is a greater risk that the dialogue is overly dominated by whoever happens to be the angriest person, or by whatever herd instinct is gripping people’s political outlooks that day).

These encounter will involve about six hours on each day, ending in late afternoon (total contact time for the entire weekend will be 10 or 12 hours).

Participation is priced at £9 per hour, so £90 per person for a 10-hour encounter. 

Notes on administrative matters and guidelines for how to get the most out an encounter group will be distributed to participants in the weeks leading up to the event.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Share the word with people you think might be interested!

It hard to find encounter groups, so it is great to have an online option.  And without the costs of travel and accommodation.

Online groups use Google Meet, and bring together participants from all over the UK and beyond.

The next online encounter weekend is: 16 & 16 March 2023.

Most people prefer to meet in person, if possible.

The next face-to-face encounter weekend is: [to be determined].