Carl R. Rogers, Ph.D. - Centre for Studies of the Person, La Jolla, California

Rogers' Purpose in Writing

Rogers initially wanted to write about "The Facilitation of Encounter Groups" in general, but realized this would be too homogenized. Instead, he chose to write honestly about his own specific style, hoping this would:

• Have a "releasing effect" on other facilitators
• Stimulate others to write about their own styles
• Give younger workers freedom to develop their own authentic approach
• Show that effectiveness comes from authenticity, not imitation

Background Philosophy and Attitudes

Trust in the Group Process

"I trust the group, given a reasonably facilitating climate, to develop its own potential and the potential of its members."

Rogers describes this trust as "an awesome thing" - similar to his trust in the individual therapy process. He sees the group as an organism with its own wisdom, comparing it to white blood corpuscles that purposefully move toward disease bacteria, surround and eliminate them, then move on.

"In the same way, it seems to me a group recognises the unhealthy aspects of its process focuses on these, clears them up or eliminates them, and moves on toward becoming a healthier group."

No Specific Goals

"I have no specific goal for a particular group and I sincerely want it to develop its own directions."

When Rogers has had specific goals:

• The group either defeats that goal
• Or spends time dealing with him until he regrets having the goal

He distinguishes between: