O encontro em grupo de apoio com uma proposta híbrida, online e presencial, sob o olhar gestáltico

Abstract

n Gestalt therapy, the encounter is understood as something that is built through authentic contact between people, where each allows themselves to be affected and to affect the other. This work aims to present the experience of a support group that combines online and in-person meetings as a way of building and strengthening bonds among participants, based on the principles of Gestalt therapy. It highlights the role of authentic contact, creative adjustment, and the facilitator's presence in the group process. A total of 38 virtual meetings and 8 in-person meetings were held, with an average attendance ranging from 6 to 12 participants. The virtual meetings lasted between 2 and 3 hours, while the in-person meetings had no time limit.

In support groups that mix online meetings with in-person moments, the Gestalt perspective offers an expanded understanding of how these bonds are strengthened throughout the group process. The online environment creates a unique relational field, where communication is mediated by technology yet can still be rich and meaningful. Through active listening, sharing experiences, and validating emotions, participants feel welcomed and develop a sense of belonging to the group. Despite the limitation of non-verbal expressions, the use of digital tools, cameras, and chat features allows members to recognize one another, creating an initial foundation of trust and mutual support.

The in-person meetings, in turn, expand and deepen these bonds. The sensory experience of face-to-face contact, bodily recognition, and spontaneous interactions allow relationships to become more solid and integrated. Physical presence fosters the emergence of new figures in the group field, enabling participants to experience greater closeness, safety, and emotional openness.

From a Gestalt perspective, the process of building bonds occurs in the here-and-now of each meeting, whether virtual or in person. The alternation between the two formats allows the group to experience different qualities of contact, enhancing both individual and collective growth. Members learn to creatively adjust to the conditions offered, strengthening group cohesion and mutual support. The role of the facilitator is essential in this process, sustaining the field with presence and sensitivity, and promoting a safe space where each participant can express themselves, take responsibility for their needs, and experiment with new ways of relating.

Thus, groups that combine online and in-person meetings provide fertile ground for the development of meaningful bonds. Gestalt therapy recognizes that when there is authenticity, awareness, and openness, contact becomes transformative regardless of the medium, and is further strengthened when the virtual experience is complemented by in-person encounters. We observed that the combination of online and in-person meetings enhanced the development of meaningful bonds between participants and group facilitators, positively impacting both individual and collective growth. It became evident that bonds formed in the virtual environment were reinforced during in-person meetings, where participants could not only share their experiences but also engage in physical contact, share meals, endure hardships, and enjoy moments of relaxation and free sharing. The presence of facilitators and the openness of all participants have been fundamental in strengthening group cohesion.