Customer Reviews

Playful Self-Discovery: A Findhorn Foundation Approach to Building Trust in Groups (Guidebooks for Growth Together)

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Our society is made up of groups, at work, in sport, school, church and family. Dr. Platts tells us how we may add to our group's cohesiveness while having fun. He describes sixty-seven games and exercises which have been developed over the past twenty-five years at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, where evolution of group consciousness is an ongoing process. The aim is to achieve what Dr. Platts says are the three essentials of successful groups: cohesiveness, trust and fun. He warns that these games will not work however for groups already in difficulties. Basic goodwill must first be established and the games integrated into the process of building group trust. Then as part of the process, dynamic results can be achieved within a short time-frame.

The book discusses group preparation and session planning, as well as sequencing and formatting. Each game is described in detail with suggestions for its presentation and sequencing. To help beginners with game selection, a chart lists the primary uses of each, but this is no standardized blueprint, 'play this to get that.' The games and exercises operate at both individual and group level, opening up new and sometimes challenging dimensions of identity. Game facilitators must stay alert to the shifting consciousness of the group and set aside their own agendas, selecting games to meet the group's changing needs. This reviewer has found selected games effective with adults, teens and children, provided the age groups are kept separate.

The author, Dr. David Earl Platts, has a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. He served for several years both on faculty and administration at the Florida State University. Later, he was in charge of the Group Discovery Program at the Findhorn Foundation. He has graduated in Psychosynthesis Counseling and Therapy, and now directs his own management consultancy. His book is clear and well laid out, and touches the reader at levels both of mind and heart. Any one engaged in group processes will find it a very useful tool.