My perception of Japanese-style basic encounter groups ~ learning from facilitating encounter groups~

ABSTRACT Since the first Japanese encounter group was held in 1970, numerous encounter groups with many participants have been held. In addition, countless studies have been conducted on encounter groups. In this paper, Japanese-style encounter groups are described. An encounter group facilitator needs to be aware of both the physical and psychological elements that comprise a group. Unlike physical structures which are fixed, psychological elements evolve as the group progresses. There are psychological elements of which both the facilitator and participants may not even be aware. The role of the group facilitator is to strive to understand and appreciate those structures.