THE THERAPEUTIC US

This module of our “Therapeutic Us” seminar will broaden our concept of the “US.” We have explored how each person has many “parts” and yet is a unique whole, as each dyad is a unique system. Now we will enter the realm of larger systems and discuss theworkings of groups and communities. We each are a kind of group, live in groups and are formed by groups. Yet, there has not been much attention to Focusing-oriented approaches to group facilitation.

In this seminar we will look at the similarities between the Focusing steps of individuals and the development of a group. We will introduce new skills and concepts that are particularly suited to working with groups. Many of us rely on structures and turn-taking to organize our groups. Although these tools are invaluable, we can expand our skills to embrace spontaneous conversation which carries us forward in a different way.

Topics to be explored:

· cultivating the gifts and contributions of each member

· helping to create an atmosphere of openness and receptivity

· developing embodied listening as the soil in which the group can grow

· speaking from, speaking up, speaking for, speaking to, speaking with

· avoiding “group think” and embracing difference

· implicit and explicit conflict in the group

· tracking the flow of the conversation—listening to the I, the YOU and the US

· seeing the group as an organic living system and the members as both the

individuals and ingredients of the whole