What it is
A support group is a gathering of people who share a common experience, concern or life circumstance and come together to connect and support one another. Groups may be led by a trained facilitator, a peer who has lived through similar challenges, or a volunteer, and they can meet in person or online.
There are many kinds of support groups. Peer support groups focus on shared lived experience, grief groups bring together people who are mourning a loss, and caregiver groups create space for those caring for a loved one to talk openly about the demands and emotions involved.
Support groups are generally about community and connection rather than formal treatment. They are a place to be heard, to learn from others who understand, and to remember that you are not alone in what you're facing.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People have long gathered in communities of shared experience, from faith circles and neighborhood gatherings to more structured meetings organized around a common challenge. The idea that talking with others who understand can ease a heavy load is an old and widely held one.
Over time, support groups became more organized, with some led by peers and others facilitated by professionals. Grief groups, caregiver groups and peer support spaces grew as people recognized the value of having a dedicated place to share openly without judgment.
Today, support groups take many forms and reach people through community centers, hospitals, nonprofits and online platforms. They are widely understood as a complement to other kinds of help rather than a replacement for professional care.
How a therapist may help
While support groups themselves are about community, some people also choose to work with a therapist who uses cognitive or behavioral approaches. A therapist may help a person explore the thoughts and feelings that come up around grief, caregiving or a shared struggle, and notice patterns that feel stuck or overwhelming.
Sessions with a cognitive-behavioral therapist generally involve talking through what's on your mind, gently examining unhelpful thinking habits, and considering new ways to respond to difficult situations. This is individualized conversation, not a fixed script, and it unfolds at a pace that feels right for you.
Some people find that a support group and individual therapy complement each other well: the group offers connection and shared experience, while therapy offers a focused, private space to work through personal challenges. A support group, on its own, is not therapy and does not treat any condition.
Where mind meets body
Grief, caregiving stress and other shared challenges are felt in both the mind and the body. Difficult emotions can show up as tension, fatigue, a racing heart or a tight chest, and the body's stress response can in turn shape how we think and feel. This is why many people find that attending to both mind and body supports a more whole-person approach.
Alongside talking-based support, some people explore body-based (somatic) practices that focus on the nervous system and physical sensations. You can learn about these approaches at Somatic Experiences, our sister site. Pairing thinking-based and body-based options is a personal choice, and neither approach is better than the other.
Explore on Somatic Experiences: grief →Explore on Somatic Experiences: caregivers →Explore on Somatic Experiences: home →
Keep in mind
- Support groups offer community and shared experience, but they are not therapy and do not diagnose or treat any condition.
- For grief, caregiver strain or other serious concerns, licensed professionals should guide any clinical care, and decisions about medication are made with a licensed prescriber.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about self-harm, you can call or text 988 in the US, or call 911 for an emergency.
- Choosing a group that feels safe and respectful matters; it's okay to try more than one until you find a good fit.
Therapists
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Frequently asked questions
What is a support group?
A support group is a gathering of people with a shared experience or challenge who come together to connect, share and encourage one another. Groups may be led by a facilitator or a peer and can meet in person or online. They focus on community and mutual understanding rather than formal treatment.
What is the difference between a support group and therapy?
A support group centers on shared experience and peer connection, while therapy is a professional service provided by a licensed clinician. Support groups are not therapy and do not diagnose or treat conditions. Some people choose to do both, using a group for community and therapy for focused, individual work.
How do grief groups work?
Grief groups bring together people who are mourning a loss so they can share their feelings and support one another through the grieving process. Members often find comfort in being around others who understand what they're going through. These groups offer connection and shared experience, not clinical treatment.
What happens in a caregiver support group?
In a caregiver support group, people caring for a loved one gather to talk openly about the emotional and practical demands of caregiving. Members share experiences, coping ideas and encouragement in a space where they feel understood. The goal is community and relief from isolation, not medical advice.
Can I join a support group and see a therapist at the same time?
Yes, many people combine a support group with individual therapy. The group offers community and shared experience, while a therapist can provide a private space to work through personal challenges. Pairing the two is a personal choice that some people find supportive.
Are support groups free or paid?
It varies by group and organization; some are free and volunteer-led, while others may involve a fee. The best way to find out is to contact the specific group you're interested in. What they share in common is a focus on community and mutual support.
Educational resource. Therapists.plus shares general information and connects people with independent therapists, coaches and groups. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health. In a crisis in the US, call or text 988 or call 911.
