Encounter Group Focused on the Here & Now

The purpose of this group is to get to know yourself and others in a real and more authentic way than is available via normal social conversation.

The invitation is to be with what arises in you in the here and now, both inter-relationally (between you and other participants) and intra-relationally (within your relationship with yourself), and to choose what (of your experience) to share with the group

Some things you might hear in a Here & Now Group session:

• I felt very moved by what you’ve just said
• I found myself drifting off when you were speaking
• I feel very drawn to you
• I find it hard to tell you how I really feel - I’m scared I might upset you
• I’m feeling angry and wonder why I’m even here right now
• Gosh this feels like the most real conversation I’ve ever had
• I feel really loved and accepted in this moment

There are a few rules (boundaries) to be aware of:

• Do not attend if under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs
• Confidentiality: Everything said/expressed during the group is confidential to that group, and must not be shared outside the group (or even shared at the next group event).
• We request you only drink water during our session
• We request that participants don’t talk before the start of the session

Disclaimers:

• This style of direct and, at times, challenging communication is not for everyone. If you find eye contact difficult, or have psychotic processes, or feel that you often feel persecuted, then this group might not be for you. Please contact us to discuss before signing up.
• This group is not a therapy group - we (Vicki and Annette) host the group, but we do not facilitate it (the group is peer facilitated)
• Emotional safety is not guaranteed - by its very nature, this mode of communicating in the “Here and Now” is not without emotional risk.

The group will be held at 48 Berkeley Street. Please arrive from 6:45pm, ring the bell for Office 3 and we will come let you in.

Maximim number of participants is 7; minimum number is 4.