The author relates a small-group intervention with the population of L’Aquila some months after the earthquake that hit the town in 2009. She analyzes the conditions and the outcomes of two groups in four sessions each (Tavistock method) with the guests of two camps. These camps were run by two different agencies (volunteers and environmental services) and organized following completely different principles that led to the development of
separate cultures. These characteristics produced diverse settings and leading styles in the groups which were isomorphic to the general culture prevailing in each camp.
Keywords: Small-group intervention, setting, volunteers, environmental services, isomorphic groups, role of the conductor.