--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Groups are, in a sense, a microcosm of…" description: "\"“Groups are, in a sense, a microcosm of the real world. In all groups, there are leaders and followers . . . and many people who fall somewhere in betw..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e8/jonathan-berent-4272_expressing-yourself_groups-are-in-a-sense-a-microcosm-of-the_491462.jpg" --- # Groups are, in a sense, a microcosm of the real world. In… ![“Groups are, in a sense, a microcosm of the real world. In all groups, there are leaders and followers . . . and many people who fall somewhere in between. Some groups are professionally led, and some are self- or volunteer-directed. In every group, there will be people you like and people you…” quote by Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e8/jonathan-berent-4272_expressing-yourself_groups-are-in-a-sense-a-microcosm-of-the_491462.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e8/jonathan-berent-4272_expressing-yourself_groups-are-in-a-sense-a-microcosm-of-the_491462.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e8/jonathan-berent-4272_expressing-yourself_groups-are-in-a-sense-a-microcosm-of-the_491462.jpg) > ““Groups are, in a sense, a microcosm of the real world. In all groups, there are leaders and followers . . . and many people who fall somewhere in between. Some groups are professionally led, and some are self- or volunteer-directed. In every group, there will be people you like and people you don’t, people who seek you out, and people who do not. Understanding and joining in the group process and making it work for you is what is important. Experiment with several groups, if you like, to find the ones that you enjoy the most. Strive to find a group in which you think you would feel comfortable expressing yourself or interacting with others and which has an appropriate meaning for you (a self-help group should address your particular issues; a hobby club should focus on something you enjoy). Attend the group a few times to get a sense of how members interact with each other. If the thought of doing so still causes you anxiety, continue working on stress management, and remain fairly passive in the group until you feel more comfortable. In my own social therapy group program, our purpose is to help individuals learn how to control social anxiety and refine their interactive skills. Social anxiety is a people-oriented problem, which makes group experience important both theoretically and practically. Some traditional therapists have called my program unorthodox because it encourages patients to talk to and learn from each other—as opposed to the isolation and protection offered by many of the more conservative therapies. But I say that social interaction is something you learn by doing. My groups are places to practice, make mistakes, and experience success in a supportive yet challenging environment. Of course, even in such a supportive setting, resistance still arises. In a “friendly” forum, stressors can be explored and confronted more easily, however, and I have found that the degree to which a person uses the group is often a good indicator of how well he or she is progressing therapeutically. Good attendance shows effort and commitment; poor attendance indicates that a person is giving in to anxiety. I’ve heard all the excuses and manipulations—canceling plans is typical of people with avoidance problems related to social anxiety. (I’m sometimes tempted to open a garage to repair all those cars that break down on group night!) Yet often, after overcoming the initial stage of anxiety, many participants enjoy the process. As you consider the option of incorporating various kinds of groups in your community into your self-help program, remember that groups can be a very important component of your map for change. Groups can provide you with the opportunity to practice the skills that are crucial to your success. Make sure that your expectations are realistic and that you understand the purpose and the limitations of whatever group you join.”” [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Groups mirror society with leaders, followers, and varied roles; joining the right one aids personal growth and anxiety management. **In simple terms:** Groups reflect society; joining the right one helps reduce anxiety. Key Takeaway Choose supportive groups to practice social skills. Themes social anxiety group dynamics personal growth self‑help leadership Mood anxious hopeful motivated Type advice inspirational practical When to use this quote - therapy sessions - support groups - hobby clubs - volunteer groups - professional teams Key Concepts psychology behavioral therapy social learning Questions to Reflect On - How can you assess if a group’s culture fits you? - What steps help you transition from passive to active participation? A Different Perspective Some may find group settings overwhelming, limiting participation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Enjoy The Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enjoy-the-process/) [Expressing yourself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expressing-yourself/) [Interacting with others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interacting-with-others/) [Leaders And Followers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leaders-and-followers/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [Making it work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/making-it-work/) [Programming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/programming/) [Real world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-world/) [Social anxiety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-anxiety/) [Social interaction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-interaction/) [Stress management](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stress-management/) ## Related quotes > [Family... a group experience of love and support.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marianne-williamson/family-a-group-experience-of-love-and-support/) [Marianne Williamson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marianne-williamson/) > [Groups do not have experiences except insofar as all their members do. And there are no experiences... that all the members of a scientific…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-kuhn/groups-do-not-have-experiences-except-insofar-as-all-their-members-do/) [Thomas Kuhn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-kuhn/) > [When you are in the 20-30 age group, you experience things; your voice fully develops, and you experience heartbreak. That's what happened with me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jubin-nautiyal/when-you-are-in-the-20-30-age-group-you-experience-things-your-voice/) [Jubin Nautiyal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jubin-nautiyal/) > [“A group experience takes place on a lower level of consciousness than the experience of an individual. This is due to the fact that,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-g-jung/a-group-experience-takes-place-on-a-lower-level-of-consciousness-than/) [C.G. Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-g-jung/) > [“ Group Therapy Group therapy has been very successful for treating social anxiety, and there are many benefits to it. Members are a source…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heather-moehn/group-therapy-group-therapy-has-been-very-successful-for-treating/) [Heather Moehn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heather-moehn/) > [Here's something a little more personal: In my teens, I was having a hard time and ended up in a therapy group of young…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-van-den-berg/here-s-something-a-little-more-personal-in-my-teens-i-was-having-a/) [Laura van den Berg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-van-den-berg/) > [I will say that going to these meetings and things, you know, I thought that, you know, be in a room with a bunch…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynda-carter/i-will-say-that-going-to-these-meetings-and-things-you-know-i-thought/) [Lynda Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynda-carter/) > [One reason patients are reluctant to work in a therapy group is they fear that things will go too far, that the powerful therapist…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irvin-d-yalom/one-reason-patients-are-reluctant-to-work-in-a-therapy-group-is-they/) [Irvin D. 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Leaders, followers and goals make up the three…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-leader-is-one-who-mobilizes-others-toward-a-goal-shared-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Moral authority is another way to define servant leadership because it represents a reciprocal choice between leader and follower. If the leader is principle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-k-greenleaf/moral-authority-is-another-way-to-define-servant-leadership-because/) [Robert K. Greenleaf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-k-greenleaf/) ## More by Jonathan Berent > [“ . . . Because of a lack of self-confidence and an inability to function independently . . .” It may be easier to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/because-of-a-lack-of-self-confidence-and-an-inability-to-function/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the reference manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose psychological problems, defines the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/the-diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-of-mental-disorders-which-is/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“ Body Orientation When someone does approach and speak to you, pay careful attention to the extent to which you face that person. 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It should present you in the best possible light.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/the-resume-your-resume-is-like-an-advertisement-for-you-as-a-job/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“It may help you to jot down a few notes to alleviate any fear of becoming tongue-tied—your name, the position or company you are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/it-may-help-you-to-jot-down-a-few-notes-to-alleviate-any-fear-of/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“This portion of the chapter is directed at those of you whose son or daughter or other relative is in denial about his or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/this-portion-of-the-chapter-is-directed-at-those-of-you-whose-son-or/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“The more you understand about anxiety, the more you will be able to control it. Remember, social anxiety is not some abstract phenomenon or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/the-more-you-understand-about-anxiety-the-more-you-will-be-able-to/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“ CONVERSATION GUIDELINES What is the secret to good conversation? Shared interest in the subject; easy, natural flow from topic to topic; humor, when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/conversation-guidelines-what-is-the-secret-to-good-conversation/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) > [“ Changing Topics Changing topics gracefully is the hallmark of an excellent conversationalist. Changing topics keeps the conversation fresh and allows you to explore…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-berent/changing-topics-changing-topics-gracefully-is-the-hallmark-of-an/) [Jonathan Berent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) [Explore all 113 Jonathan Berent quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-berent/) ## More Expressing yourself quotes > [Being stylish is about enjoying your life and expressing yourself and your inner light.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tori-amos/being-stylish-is-about-enjoying-your-life-and-expressing-yourself-and/) [Tori Amos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tori-amos/) > [I talk about a lot is how black women are so often referred to as feisty or sassy or aggressive or difficult just for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vick-hope/i-talk-about-a-lot-is-how-black-women-are-so-often-referred-to-as/) [Vick Hope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vick-hope/) > [But true individuality is more about being in tune with who you truly are, whether you're expressing yourself physically, mentally, or spiritually; individuality arises…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kat-von-d/but-true-individuality-is-more-about-being-in-tune-with-who-you-truly/) [Kat Von D](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kat-von-d/) > [“I love you, Francesca,” Gabriel told her solemnly. “I cannot express in words what you are to me.” She smiled up at him. “You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christine-feehan/i-love-you-francesca-gabriel-told-her-solemnly-i-cannot-express-in/) [Christine Feehan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christine-feehan/) > [There are no normal people, there are just different kinds of weird, all of it is human and all humanity is better than everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-harmon/there-are-no-normal-people-there-are-just-different-kinds-of-weird/) [Dan Harmon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-harmon/) > [“Every person has something meaningful to say in the conversation of life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/every-person-has-something-meaningful-to-say-in-the-conversation-of/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [Art is a process. 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I don't think anyone should put a race on any genre. It's just a way of expressing yourself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/murda-beatz/i-think-the-music-defends-myself-i-don-t-think-anyone-should-put-a/) [Murda Beatz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/murda-beatz/) [Browse all 103 Expressing yourself quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expressing-yourself/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Groups are, in a sense, a microcosm of the real world. In all groups, there are leaders and followers . . . and many people who fall somewhere in between. Some groups are professionally led, and some are self- or volunteer-directed. In every group, there will be people you like and people you don’t, people who seek you out, and people who do not. Understanding and joining in the group process and making it work for you is what is important. Experiment with several groups, if you like, to find the ones that you enjoy the most. Strive to find a group in which you think you would feel comfortable expressing yourself or interacting with others and which has an appropriate meaning for you (a self-help group should address your particular issues; a hobby club should focus on something you enjoy). Attend the group a few times to get a sense of how members interact with each other. If the thought of doing so still causes you anxiety, continue working on stress management, and remain fairly passive in the group until you feel more comfortable. In my own social therapy group program, our purpose is to help individuals learn how to control social anxiety and refine their interactive skills. Social anxiety is a people-oriented problem, which makes group experience important both theoretically and practically. Some traditional therapists have called my program unorthodox because it encourages patients to talk to and learn from each other—as opposed to the isolation and protection offered by many of the more conservative therapies. But I say that social interaction is something you learn by doing. My groups are places to practice, make mistakes, and experience success in a supportive yet challenging environment. Of course, even in such a supportive setting, resistance still arises. In a “friendly” forum, stressors can be explored and confronted more easily, however, and I have found that the degree to which a person uses the group is often a good indicator of how well he or she is progressing therapeutically. Good attendance shows effort and commitment; poor attendance indicates that a person is giving in to anxiety. I’ve heard all the excuses and manipulations—canceling plans is typical of people with avoidance problems related to social anxiety. (I’m sometimes tempted to open a garage to repair all those cars that break down on group night!) Yet often, after overcoming the initial stage of anxiety, many participants enjoy the process. As you consider the option of incorporating various kinds of groups in your community into your self-help program, remember that groups can be a very important component of your map for change. Groups can provide you with the opportunity to practice the skills that are crucial to your success. 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