Tracing the More Relaxed Journey of Group Y and Glimpses of Further Groups

Abstract

Group Y, from the same workshop as X but with its differing mix of member personalities, was strikingly different in some qualities of atmosphere and process—as brought out in the member dialogues included in this chapter. The two groups were alike in member interests, both were strongly inquiring, hard-working and personally engaged, and the facilitator-leaders had much in common. Y group, by comparison, struggled much less than the X group, a valued modus vivendi developed more quickly, with Session 3 already at the top of member ratings. Relative to X, there was a more even flow of experience and ideas, although members often were “stretched.” Much of the content had to do with practice issues as well as self- and interpersonal process. The group’s quieter story is carried via excerpts and inserted summary and observation notes. The greater continuity, with less search for direction and less twists and turns, makes for more economical tracking of the process than for the X group. The leader began in low-key nondirective reflecting-facilitating mode, gradually moving to a considerably more initiating, self-disclosing and somewhat guiding response. The conclusions section of that chapter extends to include some descriptive comment on further years’ groups whose meetings were not transcribed.