PROGRAMS

ENCOUNTER GROUPS

What is an Encounter Group?

• Encounter Groups are small groups composed of 5-8 participants that meet regularly for the purpose of attaining greater self-discovery, personal growth, and life transformation.

• Encounter Groups are highly-interactional and highly-experiential.

• Encounter Groups may engage in activities such as psychodrama, body and sensory awareness, art/ sound/ and music therapy, dream work, health work, regressive-cathartic work, and others.

• Encounter Groups aim for the growth and maturity of the total person. All aspects of the participants' lives-- the emotional, psychological, cognitive, behavioral, physical, relational, and spiritual aspects are addressed.

• The Encounter Group is held in an environment that is supportive, safe, nurturing, and confidential.

Who can benefit from Encounter Groups?

People who are:

• Seeking to be more self-confident and satisfied with themselves

• Seeking to break away from the dysfunctional and self-defeating patterns of their lives

• Undergoing life transitions and needing clearer direction for the future

• Seeking emotional, psychological, cognitive, physical, relational, and spiritual integration, and wholeness

• Seeking to relate with others more authentically and harmoniously

• Pursuing a path of self-discovery, personal growth, and life transformation

• Seeking for deeper purpose, meaning, and joy in life

Mechanics for joining an Encounter Group?

• A psychological evaluation and one-on-one interview is required for selection of eligible participants.

• Encounter group meetings last for 2 hours and will meet for 16 weekly sessions.

• Each participant must be committed to attend all the 16 meetings.

• Each participant must abide by the rules and ethical guidelines of the Encounter Group.

• The selected participants will be informed of the specific venue and schedule for the Encounter Group Meetings.

Some Guidelines for the Encounter Group

• Participate actively.

• Express yourself.

• Be honest with everyone, including yourself.

• Stay in touch with your feelings.

• Focus on your experience in the here-and-now.

• Take responsibility for your choices.

• Take risks. Get out of your comfort zone.

• Give feedback and be open to feedback.

• Discover your defenses.

• Grow and expect to become a different person.

• Respect confidentiality.

Testimonials

"Initially, I had hesitations joining the encounter group, but I definitely learned a lot about myself from my groupmates’ interactions and feedback.” -- Betina S.

"I felt very safe, respected, and supported by my groupmates. They may have talked about themselves, but their life stories were touching me in a very personal way.” -- Wency C.