This paper presents a discussion of encounter groups, their place in psychology today, their limitations and values. The purpose of encounter groups is always one of facilitating the growth of the person, and of teaching individuals how to communicate more effectively with each other. Encounter groups are particularly appropriate for the person who experiences a "loss of family", who is lonely often and sad in his being in society. The encounter group represents a substitute family, a safe place to experiment with new behaviors. However, it is only a substitute family, it does have limitations. It is for those who are for the most part free of profound and chronic psychological difficulties. A participant comes to grow, as a person, not as a patient. The ideal situation of encounter is one of sharing and communicating in a situation of safety. The trained encounter leader always makes certain that each person's integrity and his readiness for insight is protected. The changes in people following an encounter experience are an increased sensitivity and awareness of self, and a concomitant increase awareness in others and their sensitivities. (KJ)