Group members learn that it is not necessary to take action in the presence of intense feelings, but rather to process and understand these feelings and make a conscious choice to act or not act. Emphasis is on the "here and now," (ie. what individuals in the group are thinking and feeling about one another rather than talking about outside relationships or problems) Honest and spontaneous feedback is encouraged as well as individuals saying how they are being impacted by the other person.
   Almost immediately group members begin to have the same problems and feelings toward one another, as they have in relationships outside the group.
   This means that the group provides a "live laboratory," (Yalom) in which individuals make significant behavior and character changes as well as changes in perception. With this model group members can see what their problems are, and can receive feedback on how to change..