We are running live personal development group experiences in parks around London.
Sign up to begin

We are running live personal development group experiences in parks around London.
Sign up to begin

We run regular live encounter group experiences across London, group events exploring the patterns, dynamics, and ways of being that shape both our personal and social lives.

Inspired by the encounter groups of 1960s California, spaces where people could connect, relate, and simply practice being human, these gatherings bring that tradition back in a contemporary form. Each session draws on a blend of group inquiry, embodied practices, experiential games, radical honesty, and themed conversation. No prior experience needed. Just a genuine willingness to show up. These groups are a space to develop genuine self-awareness, connect with other human beings, break out of limiting patterns, and reconnect with your own aliveness and potential.

The Format

Groups currently meet as weekly circles in London parks (Dulwich park & Hyde Park) sitting outside, in nature, in a circle. Simple, accessible, and open to everyone. Groups are kept to a maximum of twelve people to ensure genuine contact rather than just a seat in the room. We ask for a suggested donation of £5-£10 to support the running of the groups, though nobody will ever be turned away for financial reasons. Facilitated by Tom van Berckel, Integrative psychotherapist and leadership coach, and founder of Encounter Labs.


To join, get in touch directly to register your interest. Read more in the blog articles and FAQs, or contact Tom at tom@tomvanberckel.com

FAQs

What is an Encounter Group?

An encounter group is a live group experience designed to create the conditions for genuine human contact, authentic self-expression, and real connection. Rooted in over sixty years of social science and humanistic psychology, the encounter group uses the group itself as the primary instrument of change. Each session draws on a blend of group inquiry, embodied practices, experiential games, radical honesty, and themed conversation. These groups are a space to develop genuine self-awareness, break out of limiting patterns, and reconnect with your own aliveness and potential.

What is an Encounter Group?

An encounter group is a live group experience designed to create the conditions for genuine human contact, authentic self-expression, and real connection. Rooted in over sixty years of social science and humanistic psychology, the encounter group uses the group itself as the primary instrument of change. Each session draws on a blend of group inquiry, embodied practices, experiential games, radical honesty, and themed conversation. These groups are a space to develop genuine self-awareness, break out of limiting patterns, and reconnect with your own aliveness and potential.

How is this different from therapy?

How is this different from therapy?

Do I need any experience ?

Do I need any experience ?

What happens in a session?

What happens in a session?

Is it confidential?

Is it confidential?

How big are groups?

How big are groups?

Where do groups meet ?

Where do groups meet ?

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

Stay up to date with Encounter
news & events

Check out the latest events around London. For live group experiences for contact and self actualisation

Stay up to date with Encounter
news & events

Check out the latest events around London. For live group experiences for contact and self actualisation

Stay up to date with Encounter
news & events

Check out the latest events around London. For live group experiences for contact and self actualisation