Encounter Group Tryout

Join us in this experiential group to better understand yourself, relationships, and others.

"What is the psychological need that draws people into encounter groups? ... It is a hunger for relationships which are close and real" (Rogers, C., 1970, On Encounter Groups, p. 10)

What is an Encounter Group?

Encounter Groups are supportive spaces conceived by psychologist and psychotherapist Carl Rogers, designed to "emphatize personal growth and the development and improvement of interpersonal communication and relationshp through an experiental process". Facilitated by a therapist, they aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where participants feel free to be their authentic selves. The therapist does not provide advice, solutions, or specific directions but encourages the exploration of emotions, needs, and thoughts, both individually and within the group.

The main goal is to facilitate genuine and meaningful connections between participants. When this occurs, it can be a deeply transformative experience. Encounter Groups can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, improve communication and interpersonal relationships, and approach life’s challenges with greater awareness.

Who is it for?

Encounter Groups are open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or life path. They are not therapeutic groups: there is no need to have a specific issue or be in therapy to participate. Everyone is welcome just as they are.

What are they for?

Participating in an Encounter Group can have multiple beneficial effects, such as:

• Developing greater self-awareness
• Improving communication skills and empathetic listening
• Enhancing the ability to relate to oneself and others
• Strengthening self-esteem and confidence in one’s abilities
• Facilitating the processing of complex emotions
• Receiving genuine and authentic support from other group members and the therapist
• Building authentic connections and feeling part of a community

Why a tryout?

A Encounter Group cycle lasts six months, with two 90-minute sessions per month (exluding summer months). However, given the significant time commitment, participants are offered the opportunity to join trial Encounter Groups.

These sessions, while identical to full cycle Encounter Groups, are self-contained events: the group begins and ends on the same day. This format allows participants to experience the group dynamic with a smaller time and money investment and decide whether they'd like to participate in a full cycle.

Rules

There are two rules in Encounter Groups:

• Confidentiality. What is shared during the encounter group stays within the encounter group.
• No Acting-Out. You can express any kind of emotion and needs verbally, but you cannot act on them. You cannot punch a member of the group if you are angry, nor hug them—unless they explicitly consent—if you feel compassionate.

All members have to explicitly agree to these rules before the group begins.

The Encounter Group will be facilitated by psychologist and therapist Giulio Ammannato.

Giulio received his training as a therapist and is now a staff member at the Person-Centered Approach Institute in Italy, founded, among others, by Carl Rogers.