Related to the concept of accepting the individual group member with unconditional
positive regard, caring, and warmth is the idea of developing an
attitude of acceptance of the group as a whole. Just as Rogers (1970) believed in
the capacity of the individual to fi nd his or her own direction, so did he believe
in accepting a group where it is, without attempting to impose a direction on it:
“From my experience I know that if I attempt to push a group to a deeper level,
it is not, in the long run, going to work” (p. 48).
Implications for Group Leaders Group leaders in training often struggle with
what they see as the monumental task of being able to feel accepting or being
able to demonstrate positive regard. Some burden themselves with the unrealistic
expectation that they must always be accepting and that they must consistently
respond with warmth in all situations. Group leaders need to develop an
accepting attitude toward themselves as well as toward their clients. At times
they may not feel caring or unconditional positive regard. It is not necessary to
feel a high level of warmth and positive regard all the time to be an effective
group leader. These attitudes are not an either-or condition; rather, they occur
on a graded continuum. Being an effective group leader starts by accepting
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