Posted by Mitchell on January 18, 2003, at 8:40:59
In reply to Re: where to draw the line, posted by Dr. Bob on January 16, 2003, at 18:57:22
> > To ban criticism of others because others might hurt from the criticism impairs our ability to criticize ourselves. Requirements that criticism, whether flawed or accurate, be expressed in reasonably accurate laguage improves our ability to correct our own flaws.
> >
> > Mitchell>
> So that's an argument for more rephrasing and less blocking...
>
> Bob
It is at least a suggestion that we need better language skills in groups such as this.My impression is that people come here seeking support and education, and some are able to offer support and education in the process. But in a society whose language skills are badly damaged, the best supportive and educational practices might not spontaneously emerge among group members. The process might benefit from some more specific training.
Professional therapists learn conversational techniques that help clients rephrase descriptions of problems and to see situations in different ways. In group work, skilled leaders or strong group members can use focusing techniques to divert confrontration and promote better understanding. What this group needs is more self-less facilitators and maybe not as much moderation.
Skilled voluntary facilitation might replace the need for so much moderation. Facilitators don't need to be identified as such, they just need to know what needs to be done and when to do it. For that purpose, some sort of lay-therapists training might be useful - a page where therapuetic conversational techniques can be studied by those wanting to improve their group facilitation skills. I think we would soon find these skills useful in developing stronger families, workplaces, and other group relationships in our local communities.
poster:Mitchell
thread:8766
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20021128/msgs/8858.html