Support groups, explained
Support groups bring together people who have navigated similar challenges. These gatherings are not the same as group therapy, which involves a small group of individuals receiving counseling from a licensed therapist. Support groups are typically free, run by a peer or unregulated facilitator, and may meet in person or virtually. The groups provide support, inspiration, and can build a sense of community and safety for individuals suffering from losses or illness.
Learning from others’ experiences can help people navigate bureaucracy more effectively and gain practical tips. But support groups, unlike professional counseling, are not bound by confidentiality laws. Though they often rely on principles of trust and understanding, information shared in these gatherings may not stay private.
Though the idea of benefiting from peer experience dates back centuries, Alcoholics Anonymous, founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, is typically considered the first modern support group. It remains one of the most common and well-known support groups today, alongside Narcotics Anonymous.
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