If you are also interested in participating in the "PCA Encounter Group: SAMOTHRACE 24", maybe some answers to the Frequently Asked Questions will make it easier for you to understand what it is about.
1. What is the A.D.P.C.A.C.C.P.T.S-E.E. (Becoming A Person)?
Becoming A Person under the official name “Association for the development of the Person-centered Approach & Child-Centered Play Therapy of South-East Europe” (A.D.P.C.A.C.C.P.T.S-E.E.) is an international association of Mental Health Professionals which was found in June, 2019. Its headquarters is located in Alexandroupolis (Evros, Greece) and operates in the of South-Eastern Europe countries and worldwide.
The vision of its members is not only the development and disclosure of the Person-Centered Approach & Child-Centered Play Therapy (one of the most basic forms of psychotherapy for children) but also their philosophy and applications worldwide.
*A.D.P.C.A.C.C.P.T.S-E.E has the legal form of a civil, non-profit association.
The vision of its members is not only the development and disclosure of the Person-Centered Approach & Child-Centered Play Therapy (one of the most basic forms of psychotherapy for children) but also their philosophy and applications worldwide.
*A.D.P.C.A.C.C.P.T.S-E.E has the legal form of a civil, non-profit association.
2. WHAT IS THE PCA (PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH)
PCA(Person-Centered Approach) started as a psychotherapeutic approach in the 50s from Carl Rogers and today is one of the most well-established approaches in the field of "Humanitarian" psychology or "Human Resources Approaches". Nowadays, it has basic applications in Psychology as well as in Education, Marketing, Management, etc.
CCPT (Child-Centered Play Therapy) is one of the most basic forms of psychotherapy for children and it is based on PCA’s principles and philosophy.
The Person-Centered Approach is based on the human experience and ability, and it is framed by the 3 therapeutic core conditions: Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy and Authenticity. This is what makes it not a psychotherapeutic method but a way of living and relating in the present.
* The "Person-Centered Approach" is also known as "non-directive", "customer-centered" or "Rogerian" approach.
CCPT (Child-Centered Play Therapy) is one of the most basic forms of psychotherapy for children and it is based on PCA’s principles and philosophy.
The Person-Centered Approach is based on the human experience and ability, and it is framed by the 3 therapeutic core conditions: Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy and Authenticity. This is what makes it not a psychotherapeutic method but a way of living and relating in the present.
* The "Person-Centered Approach" is also known as "non-directive", "customer-centered" or "Rogerian" approach.
3. WHAT ARE THE "PCA ENCOUNTER GROUPS"
"PCA Encounter Groups” are processes that began from Carl Rogers around 1980 in the U.S.A. and have been held by Person-Centered psychotherapists and practitioners around the world ever since.
Not only do mental health professionals participate in them, but also people from different backgrounds in order to try encountering, that is, relating to themselves and the other members of the group in the ambiance of Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy & Authenticity.
"The concept of the encounter does not only include the physical presence, that is, that some people meet in one place. The encounter in the Person-Centered Approach is much more than that. It is something deep and connected to the core of the human existence."
Not only do mental health professionals participate in them, but also people from different backgrounds in order to try encountering, that is, relating to themselves and the other members of the group in the ambiance of Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy & Authenticity.
"The concept of the encounter does not only include the physical presence, that is, that some people meet in one place. The encounter in the Person-Centered Approach is much more than that. It is something deep and connected to the core of the human existence."
4. WHAT IS THE "OPEN PCA ENCOUNTER GROUP IN SAMOTHRACE»
The "Open PCA Encounter Group in Samothrace” has been taking place annually since 2017 up to today, at the beginning of July and it lasts 5 to 6 days. From the collaborative PCA Training Center (Psychosocial Studies Laboratory - https://www.epsyme.com/new/) started these Encounter Groups and since last year they have been organized under the Association’s auspices following the footsteps of the "Encounter Groups" that Carl Rogers pioneered in 1980.
So, apart from an opportunity to combine an Experiential Educational Seminar with Summer vacations on the beautiful island of Samothrace, it is primarily a unique experience of coming into contact and relating with the self, the others and the environment. Thus, allowing each participant to get a strong taste of this different way of being suggested by the Person-Centered Approach.
So, apart from an opportunity to combine an Experiential Educational Seminar with Summer vacations on the beautiful island of Samothrace, it is primarily a unique experience of coming into contact and relating with the self, the others and the environment. Thus, allowing each participant to get a strong taste of this different way of being suggested by the Person-Centered Approach.
5. WHY IN SAMOTHRACE
Samothrace is one of the most enchanting islands in the Aegean Sea. As it combines the mountain and the sea, and features an abundance of natural wealth and history, it is one of the most suitable locations for the summer "Open Encounter Group".
In short, according to the Association’s members experience, the environment allows each participant to open up and let himself be in the process safely and at his own personal pace.
In short, according to the Association’s members experience, the environment allows each participant to open up and let himself be in the process safely and at his own personal pace.
6. Do I have to be a Mental Health Professional in order to participate
No. Although this experience is highly recommended to Mental Health Professionals, Educators and Professionals who work with groups of people in general, it is also addressed to anybody who is interested, regardless of his/her professional background.
7. What is the procedure
The PCA open Encounter Group: Samothrace 23’ is held, as usual, at Natural living Camping, in the region of Therma, Municipality of Samothrace. It will last for 6 days, from the evening of July 7th till the afternoon of July 12th 2023.
Morning (10.00 am- 1.00 pm) and evening (6.00pm-9pm) encounters will take place every day. During the morning ones, the participants will basically meet in smaller groups, so that each participant will have the time and space to focus on matters of his/her interest, while the community group (plenary) will meet at the evening encounters. During the latter, each participant will have the chance firstly to share some of his morning group experience and secondly to prepare himself for the next day.
Facilitators: Some of the members of the group, the facilitators, who are Members of the Association and Mental Health Professionals, provide the context of the Encounter Group and enable the participants to connect with themselves and with the others.
*You can learn more about the Procedure and the Program here.PROGRAMME SUMMER PCA GROUP
Morning (10.00 am- 1.00 pm) and evening (6.00pm-9pm) encounters will take place every day. During the morning ones, the participants will basically meet in smaller groups, so that each participant will have the time and space to focus on matters of his/her interest, while the community group (plenary) will meet at the evening encounters. During the latter, each participant will have the chance firstly to share some of his morning group experience and secondly to prepare himself for the next day.
Facilitators: Some of the members of the group, the facilitators, who are Members of the Association and Mental Health Professionals, provide the context of the Encounter Group and enable the participants to connect with themselves and with the others.
*You can learn more about the Procedure and the Program here.PROGRAMME SUMMER PCA GROUP
8. How to go to Samothrace
Samothrace is in Evros, across the city of Alexandroupolis. The only way to access the island so far is by boat from the port of Alexandroupolis.
On the other hand, accessing Alexandroupolis is much easier, as one can board an aeroplane, a bus, a train, or a boat to the city of Kavala and then take a bus to Alexandroupolis. The bus from Kavala arrives to Alexandoupolis after approximately 1,5-2 hours.
On the other hand, accessing Alexandroupolis is much easier, as one can board an aeroplane, a bus, a train, or a boat to the city of Kavala and then take a bus to Alexandroupolis. The bus from Kavala arrives to Alexandoupolis after approximately 1,5-2 hours.
9. Do I have to stay at the Natural living Camping?
Although the PCA Encounter Group is taking place at the Natural living Camping, Municipality of Samothrace, staying at the Campsite is optional. It would be helpful for the participants’ transportation as well as the Encounter Group’s dynamic, if all participants made accommodation arrangements close to the village of Therma.
There are many accommodation options in the region close to Therma village, as it is one of the most tourist areas of Samothrace. Therefore, one can choose among hostels, hotel rooms or even the alternative stay at one of the Campsites (Natural living Camping or Municipal Campsite Varades). Either way, all the options come with reasonable prices for your stay on the Island during the days of the Encounter Group.
* You can find more information about Accommodation options here.
There are many accommodation options in the region close to Therma village, as it is one of the most tourist areas of Samothrace. Therefore, one can choose among hostels, hotel rooms or even the alternative stay at one of the Campsites (Natural living Camping or Municipal Campsite Varades). Either way, all the options come with reasonable prices for your stay on the Island during the days of the Encounter Group.
* You can find more information about Accommodation options here.
10. What about the safety measures regarding the pandemic of COVID-19
The Natural living Camping was chosen as a meeting point for the Encounter Group, as its open space allows us both to comply with the main safety measures and at the same time provides us with the most adequate conditions for the procedure.
The last years, all necessary safety measures were taken in every touristic and customer-service facility in Samothrace.
The last years, all necessary safety measures were taken in every touristic and customer-service facility in Samothrace.
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