It's an extraordinary claim to make, but our lives, identities, knowledge and social worlds are superficial; us and our constructs are built from a near purely default functionality. Even this idea is unsettling to say the least, but continuing to assume it's false, not a big deal, or just ignore it, is a bigger risk than probably ever before.
We are beings, the only ones we are aware of, with the ability to rationalize, to observe, think and realize reality for what it actually is. This conscious part of our mind that can be fair, opposed to overwhelmingly subjective, is the only power in the universe that can lead us to change. You may realize that humans have been conscious in history and the present. We have discovered a great deal scientifically; pretty much everything around us and in our world. But, you'll notice we only direct even our consciousness towards the external. To progress, really progress, we must point that ability to see reality at our selves. Each of us truly is our own antagonist as well as our own 'potential' savior.
In short, HUG participants are exposed to conversation and verbal and physical exercises that contradict their comfort-zone. The idea is to expose flaws and the fears behind them, then to find solutions to resolving them. Those 'solutions' always revolve around challenging the way we typically function. It's not something that one can understand in text, but even simple opposing actions can have a strong affect on us. Something as 'simple' as talking to strangers, yelling or meditating can show us we have blindly accepted fears without bearing. The initial perspective that everything is not what you assumed is vital, but only the continued willpower to challenge the acceptance of self will change you; only you really wanting to change you more than you want to seem comfortable will.
For now, since I'm trying to reignite this group after many years, read my content, join this group's Facebook page and contact me. When and if I rediscover interest from others, I'll establish a meeting worthwhile.