Chris Rose charts the course of a Personal Development (PD) group through various stages, dealing with fundamental themes such as conflict, authority, resistance and difference. The task is always to keep in focus both the individual experience and the group process. This dual perspective provides group members with important resources to understand and make better use of their own PD group. The elusive task of personal development is vital to the formation of competent counsellors and psychotherapists. Any course that has a PD group will benefit from the understandings that the book can offer, irrespective of theoretical model. This book encourages students to engage with their own development in a pro-active and informed manner. It invites them to challenge attitudes and assumptions in a thoughtful self-reflexive style. This book also provides an introduction to group work that will be valuable for those who are no longer students but are curious about what happens in groups. Whatever the stage of development, there is material to engage and stimulate the reader. Chris Rose is an environmental campaigner and communications consultant who has worked for Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, WWF International and a host of other organizations. Contents 1) Why personal development?; 2) Getting on board; 3) Setting Off; 4) Learning to Row; 5) Undercurrents; 6) Singing and Sailing; 7) Conflict; 8) Underlying division and difference; 9) Ways of Understanding; 10) Authority; 11) Putting it into Practice; 12) Coming to the End. ”Every student who is a member of a Personal Development Group should be given this book. It is clear, light-hearted, non-judgmental yet rigorous in its application of theory to practice. Exercises are provided to enable the student to explore his or her own understanding of the relationships that develop in the group and how these reflect the student’s own past and present experiences. An invaluable help on a significant journey.” -- Jane Campbell, Co-Director , Turvey Institute of Group-Analytic Psychotherapy ”At last a book that provides a coherent and articulate discussion of what personal development groups are for and a guide for students to enable them get the greatest possible benefit from such a group. Essential reading for all students of counselling and psychotherapy and a perfect fit with the new core curriculum.” -- Sue Wheeler, Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy Programme, Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Leicester |