Innovative group techniques: handle with care

This article points to the haphazard use of powerful group methods by untrained practitioners, particularly members of professional organizations who promote these volatile techniques at conventions through “audience participation.” There is no question that the methods themselves are valuable, but in the hands of inexperienced people who lead a single demonstration or workshop the results can be dangerous. Such leaders seldom consider the damage that can be done either to the participants themselves or to those interacting with the participants after the workshop is over.