Human Development
Encounter marathon
Description:
This is a special form of encounter group (see separate description) in which the group meets continuously over a period of 24 hours or more. In this form of intensive group interaction, all the emphasis is placed on immediate experience. It aims to simulate the world of emotionally significant others. The ways in which the member relates to this world reflect the core pattern of his being. The group members' reactions give cues as to the effect his behaviour patterns have on the world. The individual is offered the option of coming to terms in the immediate experience without postponing or evading such a confrontation. Members are expected to show themselves as they are in the world outside.Nonverbal techniques may be used in the marathon experience, especially in dealing with openly expressed anger or hostility. Physical contact may occur and often helps to break down intellectual defences. The emotional strain on a participant may be balanced by an offer of physical comfort. In general a group will not intrude upon a participant who is undergoing any such deeply felt sense of strain, desolation and often loneliness, but will accept his feelings with warm silence.
The marathon group departs radically in form and content from the ordinary group-therapy group and from traditional approaches to psychotherapy.