Another small group that will be offered by emerging Naturalistic Humanist communities are Naturalistic Support groups, providing peer support for adopting the Naturalistic Model and bringing the experimental mindset into our lives.
Naturalistic Support groups will increase our metawareness — the understanding that, rather than having an ability to act contrary to cause, the way that we and others behave are the result of our determinants, as it is true for everything that surrounds us. The meetings will also help participants recognize that although we are naturally inclined to cooperate, care, participate, and contribute, under adverse conditions the expression of our human potential can become diminished and distorted. Participants will discuss the way they feel and think about their lives in the present. To derive the full benefit the group, not exceeding 15 members, should meet weekly for about two hours for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. To continue their journey participants can then regroup for a new cycle.
Naturalistic Support meetings are not intended to substitute for psychotherapy or other forms of therapy provided by mental health professionals, however, to delve deeper into issues that may emerge during meetings, some participants might consider traditional therapy.
Participants should offer non-directive support by listening to each other and asking questions which assure that they have understood what a fellow participant is trying to communicate. Asking questions can also be an effective way yet gentle way to direct a participant’s attention to aspects of their situation that they may not be aware of. Participants should strive to think and communicate nonjudgmentally, substituting judgmental language with words that are descriptive. Naturalistic Support groups will provide an opportunity for exploring group dynamics and experimenting with a variety of techniques including trust exercises, nonverbal communication exercises, focused listening dyads (in groups of two), psychodrama and role play, group feedback exercises, and group dynamic analysis.