ABSTRACT
On the arrival of participants, a short time generally needs to be spent on 'starter' or 'warm-up' activities. These may serve as a preparation for the main business of the session, in which case the tone and type of exercises chosen will need to be compatible with the main focus. Once the session is under way, the leader should 'listen' to the group's verbal and non-verbal messages, assessing their mood and noticing their reactions to activities, to the leader and to each other. Themes, too, may emerge naturally and can be incorporated into the work of the session by a perceptive leader. Likewise, fearful, 'tight' or anticipatory moods can be worked into the framework of the session if the leader remains responsive to the needs of the group. On occasion, a high level of anxiety may be noted at the beginning of a session, and some work on breathing and relaxation may be chosen to occupy the warm-up phase.
