“…In summary, literature supports the importance of the relationship between participant and facilitator; yet, no studies have explored the RE facilitator perspective, the participant-facilitator relationship, nor group factors observed during RE intervention. Therefore, investigation of the therapeutic components of a group format inclusive of the facilitator's role is warranted, given (a) the strength of RE outcomes from a group versus individual format (Quirk et al, 2014), (b) the role that facilitator factors play in group dynamics and participant outcomes (Bradford et al, 2012;Higginbotham & Myler, 2010;Ketring et al, 2017;Owen et al, 2011Owen et al, , 2013Quirk et al, 2014), and (c) RE participant identification of perceived benefit from group factors (Randles, 2014) such as the normalization of relationship issues. Thus, the current study sought to examine relationship educator observations and perceptions for participant improvement and group dynamics.…”