ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the overall principles for using any experiential activity. These principles provide a foundation for the group at that particular part of its life and development that is suitable for the characteristics of the group members. There are several major principles for effective use of experiential activities. A selected activity must be congruent with all of the following: the chosen activity must have a purpose or goal for the group session; all group members must be able to participate in the activity; and the selected activity should be group focused. These also include: Group leaders must know and avoid certain actions that may have adverse outcomes for group members and the leader should have sufficient training in group work and for the chosen activity. There are three phases for using an activity: planning, initiating, and facilitating. The chapter describes the categories of activities and presents the procedures and conditions for each.
