Are you looking for a support group?
Marianne Zasa, LICSW, CGP, FAGPA

Many times I have spoken with individuals who say they are looking for a ‘support’ group. It is often unclear what is meant by ‘support’ in this context. I think sometimes people are worried that they won’t find the support they want in a psychotherapy group.

Group therapists think of a support group as a group that primarily exists to help someone cope with a particular life stage or problem. Examples that come to mind are a divorce group or a bereavement group. The membership of such groups is homogeneous—i.e., every group member is dealing with the same life situation, be it divorce, loss, job change, etc. Members in these groups find it reassuring to be with others in similar circumstances. People find it supportive to hear how others cope with similar life stress. Support groups are typically time-limited; they run for a specific number of weeks or sessions, and usually everyone starts and ends together.

What I emphasize to prospective group members is that support takes place in psychotherapy groups as well. As group members come to know one another, they are often very encouraging of each other, validating changes others have made and risks they have taken. But something else also occurs in psychotherapy groups, which I believe has the effect of being supportive, although it may not fit the common definition of the term.

When group members come to know one another well, they become aware of the situations that are especially difficult for one another, and the behavior patterns people use that are ultimately not helpful. Sometimes being supportive is pointing out to another member, who may be unaware, that he or she is repeating an unhealthy pattern: “Uh oh, there you go again…” While such a comment might not feel supportive at first, it has the effect of helping people begin to observe their own behavior. Since seeing what you are doing is the first step toward making a change, this is ultimately very supportive. Hopefully this brief discussion has clarified whatever confusion you might have about a support group versus a psychotherapy group.

By Marianne Zasa, LICSW, CGP, FAGPA