Support Groups

Understanding the Similarities
And DifferencesAmong Groups

All of the groups listed in our Tri-County directory are composed of members having a vested interest in a particular life challenge. In addition, all of these groups have open membership. For example, even when a group meets at a hospital or church, membership in that group is not limited or restricted to patients at that hospital or parishioners at that church.

Furthermore, members join all of these groups voluntarily; they join because they are looking for others who share a similar life circumstance and from whom they can gain strength, wisdom and coping skills.

Just as they have basic similarities of purpose and goals, support groups may vary widely in structure. The traditional self-help model is ongoing and open-minded, meets regularly at a specified time and place, charges no fee but accepts voluntary donations to cover the cost of materials and/or refreshments, and is led by a lay person who is a group member and willing to accept responsibility for convening the meetings. Groups following this model have been identified in their description as self-help groups.

Many of the groups listed do not fall into the self-help category for a variety of reasons; For example, a group may meet at irregular intervals or may meet for sessions (a series of weeks at a time). Some groups may charge a small fee. Some groups are professionally led, the distinction being based on the origin of the agenda established by the group members, while the professionally led group follows an agenda established by the professional and is based on what he/she sees to be in the best interests of the group.

Your First Meeting

When you find a group that is right for you, arrive early at the first meeting you attend. Introduce yourself as a prospective member, and remember that all of these members were at one time attending their first meetings, as you are doing now.

During the meeting, notice the way the group operates. Often, a member will interrupt, criticize or be judgemental. Negative criticism is usually not allowed. People’s feelings are generally accepted for what they are. If someone’s remarks are especially meaningful to you, comment on this when you speak (if you wish to speak) or directly to the speaker after the meeting is over. It is not necessary for you to speak at all if you do not choose to.

During the meeting, words of mutual support and encouragement such as “Thank you for sharing that information...” or “I can really relate to that...” are always welcome. Refrain from giving specific advice such as “I would have handled this by doing...” Remember, each person must decide what is in his/her own best interest.

At the meeting’s end, lend a hand in helping to fold up chairs, etc. Make a positive contribution to the environment you are using. When you have been in the group for a while, you may want to consider serving as a facilitator or coordinator, keeping in mind that you stand to gain more from a group in which you have a personal investment. Consider service to the group as a statement of your personal growth.

Use the directory link located in the navigation on the upper left side of this page to find a support group that works best for you.

For any questions regarding the content within this section, please contact us:
(916) 366-4600 or email information@mhasc.org