Enhancing the experience of community: Creativity in group work

Abstract

Dramatic changes in American society pose serious challenges to creating and maintaining a sense of community. The need to span the barriers, accept, and rejoice in both our similarities and differences and the courage to accept our interdependence are critical for the future of our nation. To realize true community requires creativity in thought and action. Creativity helps individuals to become more self-aware and promote a sense of social interest. This process can best occur in a group setting as people work together to create change. The purpose of this article is to present a rationale for how creativity facilitates the development of self and community and how group counseling is an effective modality for realizing these goals.