Thursday, May 13, 2004

Working with people:: a group works if humans can feel the climate of trust so good that they self disclose stuff they have never revealed before.

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....... here I am again, late night on the armchair watching the end of newsnight on beeb 2.
Just in and catching up after a day offline. Feeling good-ish.

Working with people ........... a group works if humans can feel the climate of trust so good that they self disclose stuff they have never revealed before. It may be ugly, often is, but so important to own it - admit it - name it - feel it and then feel the liberation in terms of feelings and facts. From then on all can say that nothing can be changed from the past but the future is a range of next steps into a chosen way. This is the function of a worker, to use non-directive methods to open up the self development opportunities. I am excited.

One bit which stands out from recent groups .......... I often go around the group and ask all to answer a question. Usually this is an easier one which moves on deeper with following questions. It is fascinating to observe the group as the answering of questions moves around the circle. I see the body language change. Sometimes the non-verbals are painful to see as someone contemplates sharing something powerful. Sometimes I observe facial contortions, thumb sucking, hand to face movements, rapid eye movements ....... all i adults. I can be more sensitive as I couch the question again for them/that person as an individual. Then out it comes - usually a massive ownership of self harm, abuse of self, or from another. It is repeated by others in the group. That is fantastic support from one human to another. That is beautiful in terms of human development. Now there can be a move forward.

hmmm ....... I honestly don't know if you are with me in all this. I can picture it and see the faces. I can feel the vibe - the pain - the freeing of a human soul.

peace b with you ................................
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