Support Group Benefits

Support Groups: Description and Benefits--Support Groups allow members to assist themselves without dependence on others. To further elaborate, a therapy support group is a process where individuals who share a common condition or interest assist themselves with the help of a trained professional. There are many support groups in the United States. Support groups assist individuals in dealing with their isolation, powerlessness and alienation. Benefits of General Support Groups:

• Peer Support. Support group members are empathetic and compassionate toward members given that they share a similar experience. Congregating together allows the group members to feel better because they realize that they are not alone, which provides them with a sense of universality.
• Coping Strategies. Support group members share valuable information and insights developed as a result of their own personal experiences to assist one another to deal with the challenges they face.
• Role Models. Support group members function as positive role models to one another; modeling a proactive approach that empowers members.
• Affordability. Support groups are inexpensive and very affordable, which positions it as an attractive alternative to a high-cost and frequently time-limited professional service.
• Education. Support groups serve as an enriching forum that allows members to exchange information about members' joint concerns and to learn about other valuable resources available in the community.
• Advocacy. Through the process of support groups, members can advocate for each other and access resources that were previously unavailable.
• Non-stigmatizing. Support groups avoid the stigma and negative connotations that are associated with seeking, traditional, professional support.
• Helper's Principle. Proponents of support groups perceive that being placed in a role of a helper increases the helper's self-worth and self-esteem. Being provided with the opportunity to assist another sentient being allows one to feel they are worthwhile and making a contribution which brings meaning to people's lives.

A.C.T. is currently providing a Women's Support Group to assist in addressing the unique issues that are relevant to women. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or (858) 792-3541. Please visit us on our website at Association for Compassionate Transformation.