What is FoRT or F*oRT (and why is there an asterisk)?
F*oRT is a form of self-organised group therapy for women.
“FoRT” originally stood for Feminist Oefengroepen Radicale Therapy in Dutch – “Feminist Radical Therapy Exercise Groups”. F*oRT originated in the Netherlands and the first group was founded in 1975. Today, Radical Therapy is practiced mostly in Germany and Austria. We’re hoping to set up English-language groups as well, with other languages hopefully to follow!
In German, the “F” came to stand for Frauen, which means “women”. The asterisk in F*oRT– known as Gendersternchen (gender-asterisk)– is used to expand the concept of “woman” and to indicate that we’re talking about femininity as a social construct, not a biological fact. Given that the Gendersternchen is an established sign in the German context but not in the English language, we refer to F*oRT in English (Women* organise Radical Therapy).
The word “radical” comes from Latin radix – the root.
How does F*oRT work?
A F*oRT group consists of eight to twelve women* – usually strangers. The meetings take place weekly for at least a year and are always facilitated by two people from the group. Participants support each other in their therapeutic processes. The topics are varied, often dealing with interpersonal relationships or conflicts, problems in everyday life, general dissatisfaction with life and the underlying patterns.
At the same time, there is plenty of room for joyful experiences, appreciating yourself and others, recognising your own feelings, self-empowerment and enjoying being close to other women*.
F*oRT is not suitable for those who are unable to engage in a group process of this kind.
The content of each person’s therapeutic work is very much her own, depending on her own views on what she wants to change in her life. That said, each meeting follows a set structure containing the following elements:
FLASHLIGHT
You share with the group how you’re feeling right now.
GOOD AND NEW
You focus on the positive aspects in your life.
FANTASY ROUND
Participants reveal their fantasies about others in the group and have these fantasies confirmed or denied by the person in question.
WORKING SESSIONS
This is where you can work on your issue, in your own way. You choose another participant to support you, and you get the group’s full attention.
GRUDGES ROUND
You recognise, express and discharge or relieve unpleasant feelings triggered by other participants, such as anger, irritation or insecurities.
CELEBRATION ROUND
You can give, receive, reject and ask for appreciation for yourself and others.
Aside from these set elements, a meeting can include bodywork, dancing, games, singing, fantasy journeys, massages and new ideas.
Basics of F*oRT
F*oRT is based on Humanistic Psychology, Transactional Analysis, Radical Psychiatry and Co-Counselling. Various methods from these approaches are used during the group meetings.
All people, according to F*oRT, are born as loving, creative beings full of trust and joy of life. We’re all able to love, to think and to connect with our body and emotions. Sadly, much of this potential is buried as we grow up. Our adult caregivers and other authorities confront us with social norms, commands and prohibitions. We often end up unable connect with our feelings or to show and appreciate our abilities.
F*oRT can help us recognise the effects of actual and internalised oppression. We work with the following strategies:
• cooperation: connecting with others in solidarity
• receiving and giving support
• creating transparent and honest relationships
• standing up for ourselves and our needs and interests
• taking responsibility for our own change
• appreciating ourselves and others
• recognising our own feelings and giving them space
• developing our potential more freely once again
The spirit in which we approach each other in F*oRT
We foster a supportive attitude towards ourselves and others while we accompany one another in our therapeutic processes.
The spirit in which we approach others is: I am okay and the others are okay. This does not mean that I approve of everything a person says or does. But I always acknowledge them as a valuable person (“I am okay – you are okay”-attitude).
This also means that each person is responsible for their needs and development. F*oRT explicitly encourages you to stand up for yourself and to take care of yourself. (personal responsibility).
We assume that each person is the expert on their own life, their own issues and their own solutions. People work on what they think is right, at the speed that is best for them.
We do not give advice, judge other people, discuss needs or use other forms of violence (no violence).
We strive to ensure that everyone has the same rights and that each person and their needs are equally important (equality).
At the same time, there is a constant alternation of give and take.
The group starts with a kick-off attended by all members. This is meant to provide everyone with the same level of knowledge about the theory and practice of F*oRT (no difference in expertise).
We do not talk about what people share in the group (confidentiality).
We attend meetings in a state that allows for a differentiated perception of our physical reactions and our limits (no drugs or similar substances).
We make binding and transparent commitments to each other. For example, we agree to attend for one year or to come regularly and punctually.
Gender and why is F*oRT only for women*?
The view of the human being that underlies F*oRT applies to people of all genders. In addition to F*oRT groups for women*, there have always been Radical Therapy (RT) groups for men as well as gender-mixed groups.
More recently, groups for trans, inter and queer/non-binary people have emerged, as well as gender-mixed groups.
Gender continues to be a basic structural feature of Radical Therapy groups. This is due to its historical origins in the women’s movement of the 1970s in California, the Netherlands and Germany. The separation by gender was meant to create a space free of sexism and to disrupt the dynamics that tend to emerge in relationships between men and women.
Gender-segregated groups are still common today. The underlying assumption is that people can open up and engage more easily in gender-homogeneous groups. The idea is to acknowledge that the sex we are assigned at birth leads to a different socialisation, different types of discrimination, different role attributions and a power imbalance. Another important reason why groups tend to be gender segregated is the premise of “no teaching”.
Men’s RT-groups and women’s RT-groups use slightly different rules or structures that respond to gender-specific socialisation patterns. The aim is to enable more intensive work on those patterns.
We recommend joining a gender-homogeneous group for at least a year before switching to a mixed-gender setting.
How do I join a F*oRT group?
First, you attend an info event of three to four hours. In Berlin, these events take place around three to four times a year, in other regions and cities it depends on demand.
Following the info event, you decide if you’re still interested in F*oRT. If so, you register for a group kick-off.
We will organise a group kick-off once we have enough registrations. The kick-off brings together 12 to 14 participants and is facilitated by two to three experienced F*oRT practitioners. It takes place on two weekends that are six to eight weeks apart (Friday evening to Sunday evening). In the weeks between these weekends, the new group holds weekly meetings without an external facilitator.
The kick-off process includes input on RT theory, RT techniques and exercises. Participants get to practice under supervision and are supported with group dynamics.
Participation at both weekends and the meetings in between is mandatory. F*oRT is self-organised, meaning that after this kick-off period, the group meetings will not be facilitated by a therapist or expert. This is why it is crucial that everyone receives the same tools and knowledge.
At the end of the second kick-off weekend, each participant decides whether they want to be part of the F*oRT group for a year. A new group is formed if at least nine individuals decide to participate. You cannot join an existing group without the kick-off process.
In accordance with the principles of self-help, F*oRT is free of charge. It is passed on by volunteers who are only reimbursed for their expenses. Group members usually share all costs on the basis of voluntary contributions.