Intergroup Bridging Using the Dynamic Circles Exercise (DCE)

Intergroup bridging is aimed at reducing animosity and tension between groups while increasing their understanding and their ability to survive side by side with mutual respect. The DYNAMIC CIRCLES EXERCISE (DCE) is an elaboration on the FISHBOWL technique, based on theoretical principles from the existentialist theory, the gestalt theory, and the learning theory. Four examples of DCE applications are presented: a case involving drug addicts and third-year social work students, a case adding new volunteers to a group of veteran volunteers, confronting mothers and fathers of handicapped children in couple group intervention, and settling a conflict within an interdisciplinary team of workers. The strengths and dangers of the DCE, as well as the nature of the exercise, are discussed.