T-Group, or Training Group, is an interpersonal mindfulness practice that involves engaging with others to deepen self-awareness, foster authentic connections, and explore new ways of relating. Developed by the renowned psychoanalyst Kurt Lewin, T-Groups are learning laboratories that focus on the here and now of interpersonal dynamics.
They provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore and understand the patterns that guide your behavior in relationships, especially during challenging moments.Unlike meditation, which is an individual practice, T-Group offers an opportunity to step outside conventional social norms and engage in deeper, more meaningful interactions.
It serves as a laboratory where participants can uncover their habitual patterns of relating and experiment with alternative ways of being.
Our Approach
The T-Group format we use is partially based on the successful approach employed by the Stanford Graduate School of Business and incorporates tools from mindfulness-based therapies. We integrate
partially based on the Stanford Graduate School of Business model. Our T-Group trainings are not sponsored by or affiliated with Stanford Graduate School of Business.
These tools are used to help participants develop a greater understanding of the group dynamics, as well as to become more self-aware and to learn how to manage their emotions.
The T-Group structure, with its emphasis on self-reflection, open communication, and supportive feedback, creates a dynamic and transformative learning laboratory. We cultivate authentic interpersonal encounters that are based on Martin Buber’s concept of the I-Thou relationship. By being fully present, transparent, and engaged, we establish a space where a deeper connection, “the between,” can emerge. This goes beyond conversation and fosters mutual respect, directness, and recognition of each other’s uniqueness.
Participants engage in a journey of self-discovery, gaining valuable insights into their relationships and personal growth. Through this immersive experience, T-Groups offer a powerful opportunity for individuals to enhance their interpersonal skills and build meaningful connections.
In our T-Group experience, you’ll join a group of 6-12 individuals. Guided by a skilled facilitator, you’ll engage in an interpersonal mindfulness practice, sharing your feelings, and experiences. Through this process of disclosure and feedback loops, you’ll gain valuable insights into your blind spots and discover how your behavior impacts your relationships.
Our T-Group experience is highly personalized to meet your specific goals. You will take the schema questionnaire to identify your interpersonal schemas, clarify your values in relationships, and set individual objectives tailored to your needs. Whether you want to express emotions more genuinely, be more spontaneous, or embody your boundaries, T-Group can empower you to make meaningful changes in your interactions.
Our T-Group experiences include mini-lectures that introduce practical concepts and provide psychoeducation. You’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of interpersonal dynamics and how to apply your newfound skills in real-life situations.
Why should you sign up for a T-Group Experience?
T-Groups offer a transformative journey of self-discovery that can revolutionize your relationships. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others, learn to communicate more authentically, and navigate complex dynamics like status, power, and gender. By practicing active listening and embracing uncomfortable conversations, you’ll unlock new levels of connection and empathy.
Gain Valuable Insights
By participating in T-Group, you can gain valuable insights into your impact on others and receive real-time feedback and reflection. This practice promotes self-awareness, as it allows you to see yourself more clearly and make conscious choices for your personal growth and transformation. T-Group encourages transparency, authenticity, vulnerability, and intimacy, revealing the powerful potential for healing and connection.
I Statements: In T-Group, participants use “I statements” to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This encourages personal accountability and ownership of one’s emotions and perceptions. By using “I statements,” individuals express themselves in a non-blaming and non-judgmental manner, promoting effective communication and understanding.
Here and Now Focus: T-Group emphasizes staying in the “here and now” during interactions. Participants are encouraged to observe and discuss the present moment experiences, interactions, and dynamics within the group. This practice cultivates mindfulness, helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they unfold in real-time.
Labeling Feelings, Sensations, and Urges: A crucial aspect of T-Group is the practice of labeling one’s feelings, sensations, and urges. By identifying and articulating these internal experiences, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape. This practice supports self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and empathetic connection with others.
Labeling Stories and Needs: T-Group also encourages participants to label their stories and needs. Participants explore the narratives they construct around their experiences and identify the underlying needs or desires driving their thoughts and behaviors. This process promotes self-reflection, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
Mindfulness Practice in a Group Setting: T-Group combines mindfulness principles with the power of group dynamics. Engaging in this mindfulness practice within a group setting allows individuals to observe themselves in relation to the collective. It provides a unique opportunity to witness how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact and impact others. By cultivating self-observation in a group context, participants gain valuable insights into their own patterns, triggers, and ways of relating to others.