Support groups
You don't have to go through everything alone.
A support group brings together people with similar experiences. It is a place to talk, listen and find mutual support, without having to have all the answers.
What is a support group?
People meet around a shared experience: loss, loneliness, parenthood, illness, relationships or a life transition. Sharing stories can help you feel less alone and discover different ways of coping. Each group has its own purpose and participation rules.
What happens at a meeting?
- 01The facilitator welcomes everyone and introduces the purpose and rules.
- 02Participants can share what is present for them, or simply listen.
- 03People exchange experiences without judging, diagnosing or giving unsolicited advice.
- 04The meeting closes with space to reflect and decide what to take with you.
Support is not the same as psychotherapy
A support group is not automatically group therapy. Its focus is mutual support and sharing experiences, not diagnosis or a psychotherapeutic treatment process. It may be led by someone with relevant lived experience, a trained facilitator or a professional. Check the person's preparation and the group's scope. If a gathering offers psychotherapy, this should be stated clearly and led by an appropriately qualified professional.
Before you join
- Check who the group is for, its theme and the facilitator's experience.
- Ask about confidentiality, its limits and respect for personal boundaries.
- Find out whether it is open to new participants or has a fixed membership.
- Check the dates, cost and cancellation rules. Support groups can be free or paid.
You decide how much to share. A support group is not an emergency service and does not replace individual care when you need it.