Large groups, collective gestalts and prejudices – autoethnographic reflections on attending large groups in training

Abstract

"Abstract: This is a single case study on attending large groups in psychotherapy training using autoethnographic theory. Originating in a description of the personal experiences of the author attending large groups, this article presents an introduction to a wide range of large groups across different therapeutic modalities and examines an application of Gestalt therapy theory to understanding large group processes. A proposition is made to consider collective gestalts in working with large groups and to understand them as an ongoing dialogue among often opposing social forces. It is suggested that openness towards one’s own prejudices, and a rejection of finality create supportive conditions for attending to collective gestalts when participating and facilitating large groups. The article concludes with describing outcomes of large groups in three areas: diversity, learning therapeutic skills, and community building. Key words: large groups, autoethnography, prejudices, diversity, groups, psychotherapy training."