PCE2006
7th World Conference for
Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling

July 12–16, 2006, Potsdam, Germany

 

Topic:
Groups

 

 

Symposia, Paper Sessions, Workshops, Round Table Discussion Groups:

 

Lecture: Cross-cultural analysis of human development process through encounter groups in Japan – in-depth interviews with experienced Japanese group facilitators

Tatsuya Hirai, Assistant Professor, Kyushu Sangyo University, 2-3-1 Matsuka-dai Higashi-ku, 813-8503, e-mail: hirai@ip.kyusan-u.ac.jp

Shoji Murayama, Professor, Kyushu Sangyo University, e-mail: shmuray@hiz.bbiq.jp
Masahiro Shirai, Doctoral student, Kyushu Sangyo University

Abstract:

It has been more than 30 years since client-centered therapy (CCT) and person-centered approach (PCA) were introduced to Japan. A number of encounter groups were conducted in Japan since then. However, it has never been questioned whether theories and assumptions of CCT and PCA were culturally appropriate for Japanese clients. Considering the fact that CCT and PCA were developed in American culture, which is considerably different from Japanese culture, certain assumptions and theories may not be suitable for Japanese clients.

Searching for culturally more appropriate group theory, this study examined the human development process through encounter groups in Japan. First, in-depth interviews with experienced group facilitators were conducted to qualitatively examine the characteristics of human development process through encounter groups. Second, based on the results from the interviews, the researchers created a questionnaire to collect quantitative data regarding human growth process through encounter groups. Then, the researchers critically examined the concept of "fully functioning person" proposed by C.R. Rogers from cross-cultural perspectives and compared similarities and differences between the characteristics of "fully functioning person" and those of experienced facilitators in Japanese encounter groups. Finally, the researchers claimed a new model of human development process, which is culturally more appropriate for Japanese clients and group participants.

Lecture: The analysis of individual change process in encounter groups in Japan – an in-depth case study of a Japanese high school participant in an encounter group

Tomonori Motoyama, Seinan Gakuin University, 1-5-10-1003 Fujisaki Sawara-ku, 814-0013 Fukuoka, Japan, e-mail: duca@ii.e-mansion.com
Tatsuya Hirai, Kyushu Sangyo University

Abstract:

Encounter Group (EG) was introduced to Japan in 1970, and various practice and research studies have been accumulated since then. However, compared to the number of research studies regarding individual counseling/psychotherapy, the number of EG research is still limited inside and outside of Japan.

In this presentation, the presenter introduces a case study of a basic encounter group, which was facilitated by two facilitators and eight high school students. In the case study, the presenter focuses on one of the female participants and examines how she decided to join the group, what kind of experiences she had in the group, and how the participation in the group impacted her life after the group. Her experiences in the group were analyzed from pre- and post in-depth interviews with her, as well as facilitator’s careful observation during the group.

Generally, a number of research studies regarding Encounter Groups and other group counseling tend to analyze group process as a whole. Instead, this presentation particularly focuses on experiential process of each participant, especially one female high school student in detail, to clarify individual change process through Encounter Groups. Along with the case presentation, the presenter introduces Japanese high school environment and lives of Japanese high school students in general. The adaptation of Encounter Groups to Japanese high school students will be discussed from cross-cultural perspectives as well.

Workshop: Facilitation and evaluation of self-experiencing groups in person centred counselling and psychotherapy training

Gert-W. Speierer
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. habil. Dipl.-Psych., Head of Dep. Medical Psychology, University of Regensburg, Postbox, 93040 Regensburg, Germany, phone: +49 941 9433114, fax.: +49 941 9433127, e-mail: gert.speierer@biologie.uni-regensburg.de, Internet: http://www.biologie.uni-regensburg.de/Med.Psychologie/Speierer

Abstract:

In this workshop I will present my ideas, materials and experiences to start, facilitate, and evaluate expectations, process, change and experiences in encounter groups with trainees in person centred counselling and psychotherapy.

Topics include person centred-self experiencing group definition and goals, facilitator(s) role, participants, group composition, special features of first session, standard sessions, critical events, last session, and follow-ups. Facilitative suggestions to promote actualising, experiencing, congruence, and coping with incongruence are presented. Materials for group work and group evaluation will be demonstrated.

Participants are invited to discuss and share their own experiences. Languages are English and German.

All materials, selected literature, and a summary of empirical results will be available in English, Spanish and German on CD-ROM.

 

Workshop: Förderung und Evaluation von Selbsterfahrungsgruppen in der personzentrierten Aus- und Weiterbildung

Zusammenfassung:

In diesem Workshop stelle ich meine Ideen, Materialien und Erfahrungen über Beginn, Förderung und Evaluierung von Encountergruppen in personzentrierten Aus- und Weiterbildungsgängen dar. Die TeilnehmerInnen sind zur Diskussion und zum Austausch ihrer eigenen Gruppenerfahrungen eingeladen. Alle Materialien, eine Literaturliste und eine Zusammenfassung empirischer Ergebnisse sind in Englisch, Spanisch und Deutsch auf einer CD-ROM erhältlich.

Workshop: "Researching Groups"

Gill Wyatt, 17 Denison St, Beeston, NG9 1AY Nottingham (UK), phone: 0115 917 7287, e-mail: earthsky@ntlworld.com

Colin Lago, phone: 0114 2308132, e-mail: colin@lago7380.fsnet.co.uk

Abstract:

A series of three, daily, workshop sessions provides an opportunity to "research" what happens in groups. It is expected that the group will be both experiential and reflective on experiences, within this group or any other group the participants have attended.

What is the dynamic process of groups? How are the needs of the individual balanced with the group as an emerging whole? How does a collaborative, participative culture evolve? What is/are the functions of the convenors/facilitators? The focus of our research will emerge during the life of the group and may include any of these questions.

Participants are invited to attend all or any of the sessions.

Workshop: Dialogue and "holonic shifts"

Gill Wyatt, Centre for Relational Living, Devon, UK

Abstract:

The nature of dialogue and its role in groups will be introduced followed by a presentation of the findings of my research project for a Masters in Human Ecology - "An exploration of 'holonic shifts' in groups and its possible human-ecological significance of transforming culture."

Group-directed facilitation encouraged groups to dialogue and as a result some groups shift and begin to function as a whole. The emergent properties of this new level of organisation (holonic shift) can be transformational as they can include creativity, raised level of functioning, more world-centric values and shifts in participants’ consciousness.

Is person-centred facilitation the same as group-directed facilitation? Do person-centred groups develop a web-like structure and shift their level of organisation? Or do they remain hierarchical in some way? Can cultural transformation result? These questions amongst others may be raised during the workshop.

The workshop will be both theoretical and experiential with opportunity to dialogue.