ABSTRACT
The search for self-knowledge and understanding has been described as a journey, and it can be a helpful metaphor for the personal development (PD) group experience. PD groups come in a variety of sizes and formats with differing amounts of information prior to departure. Some courses provide written information about the PD group that sets out the nature of the group and the role it plays in the overall assessment for the course. Developing an internal dialogue will complement the work in the PD group by opening more paths to self-discovery. Whatever their personal style, the facilitator is the most visible and scrutinized person in the group. If the facilitator is an “outsider”, then there may be more emotional security for the student to bring the “non-student” parts of themselves into the group. There can be something very attractive about the merging of tutor- facilitator roles.
