ABSTRACT
This chapter explicates an initiatory practice for growth-oriented culture development. The group culture dimensions exist in any group and are a powerful influence on the group and its process, development, and ability to move toward achievement of its identified tasks. The question to be addressed is how group culture can be addressed from the outset so that it is coordinated with these tasks. Specifically, this form of intervention is recommended for psychotherapy groups, and for counselor and psychotherapy education groups. Any action that disrupts the automaticity of one's life patterns can be called intervention. Group itself can become a powerful intervention in that committed group members create a culture of change. Clients and students report life-changing experience in themselves and in their relationships. The importance of a leader, modeling the values of the group is central from the outset. Increased feelings of agency and the development of inner security are associated with this intervention.
