Person-Centered Groups in New York City
While New York City is most likely the center of psychological theory and practice in the United States, unfortunately, at the present time, we do not know of any Person-Centered activities taking place here other then the three listed below. Fundamental to the Person-Centered Approach are group therapeutic activities. During Carl Rogers’s lifetime he was known to originate and facilitate many group therapeutic activities, sometimes referred to as “encounter groups.” Probably the most unique aspect of Person-Centered groups is the fundamental belief that all members should share the responsibilities and privileges of leadership within the group. While there can be facilitators within person-Centered groups, even so, each group member is seen as equal and no one person should have more power then any other in the group. The following three Person-Centered groups taking place in New York City strive to adhere to this belief in equality, as set forth within the Person-Centered Approach.
[Lewis Gover and Sarton Weinraub, co-facilitators of the Life Support Group, with a group member]
Monthly Person-Centered Community Meeting
This free experiential community group meets one Saturday afternoon a month for two and a half hours. Located in a Lower Manhattan meeting space, this monthly Person-Centered community meeting offers free community-group experiences for adults who are interested in fostering awareness of the essential elements necessary to sustain community living. Following in the tradition of Carl Roger’s community oriented workgroups, this monthly Person-Centered community meeting has no leader, therefore all members have an equal say, and the goal is to relate and discuss issues surrounding personal and community development from an interpersonal base-point. This monthly Person-Centered community meeting is designed to allow each member to have the opportunity to fully express themselves in a safe, understanding, and empathetic environment. Conflicts may arise in the group, but they are usually worked out constructively with empathic understanding and positive regard. Currently this group has between 10 and 15 members and new members are encouraged to join.For further information contact: Sarton Weinraub, Ph.D. 212-989-6086 (sartonw@aol.com)
Bi-Weekly Person-Centered Peer Inter-Vision
This group meets every other week in the West Village. Within this group we attempt to create a safe and intimate environment where licensed (or licensed eligible) mental health practitioners can come together to discuss clinical material, and to better understand the application of Person-Centered theory in practice. Illustrative of Person-Centered theory, all members of the group have equal authority and are equally considered when making group decisions. To maintain a high level of professionalism group members will be asked to be licensed or license eligible mental health practitioners who are currently seeing clients in clinical settings.For further information contact: Sarton Weinraub, Ph.D. 212-989-6086 (sartonw@aol.com)
Life-Support Group: A Weekly Psychotherapeutic Support Group for Adults Who Have Been Diagnosed with Mental and Emotional Conflicts
Within this support group we hope to help each other overcome the stigma and judgment that often accompanies a diagnosis of mental and/or emotional conflicts. This group is open to all adults who feel they have had experiences struggling with mental and emotional conflicts. While this group has two designated facilitators, the structure of this group is Person-Centered which means that all group members have an equal say regarding the policies of the group.
This group meets once a week for an hour and a half in the West Village. The cost for each participant is $35.00, we accept most health insurance, yet if you do not have insurance or cannot afford the fee we do offer a sliding-scale.
For further information contact: Sarton Weinraub, Ph.D. 212-989-6086 (sartonw@aol.com)
