encounter group therapy

encounter group therapy

A therapeutic modality developed in the 1940s by American psychologist Carl Rogers. Initially directed by a psychiatrist or or psychotherapist, encounter groups have become therapeutic social meetings in which similarly minded or afflicted individuals meet regularly to discuss mutual problems; with time, the group members become familiar enough with each other that the participants develop a therapist role with one another.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

encounter group therapy

A form of group psychotherapy in which the participants concentrate on the nature and open expression of their innermost feelings, so as to increase self-awareness and improve personal communication.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005