What Is a Support Group? Understanding the Different Types of Groups and Their Benefits.
If you’ve ever considered joining a support group, you might have encountered a variety of terms: support groups, process groups, psychoeducational groups, therapeutic groups, and skills-based groups just to name a few. Each type serves a unique purpose, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right fit for your personal growth and healing.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of groups, their structures, and what you can expect from each.
What Is a Support Group?
A support group is a gathering of individuals with shared experiences who come together for encouragement, discussion, and connection. Unlike therapy, support groups are typically peer-led or facilitated by a trained professional but do not involve clinical treatment. However, support groups can also be led by a licensed therapist, providing additional structure, expertise, and guidance.
Key Features of a Support Group:
Provides emotional support rather than clinical therapy.
Encourages sharing of personal experiences without judgment.
Offers a sense of belonging and community.
Can be peer-led, facilitated by a trained professional, or run by a licensed therapist.
Typically not structured around skill-building or professional interventions, unless integrated into a specific therapeutic approach.
Can be topic-focused (e.g., grief, sobriety, chronic illness, relationship challenges, or mental health struggles).
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone seeking community, validation, and shared experiences can benefit from a support group. These groups are particularly helpful for individuals navigating life transitions, recovery, or emotional challenges.
What Is a Process Group?
A process group is a form of group therapy that focuses on deep emotional exploration and interpersonal relationships. A process group is typically led by a licensed therapist that is specifically and highly trained in process-oriented groups and encourages participants to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and relational patterns.
Key Features of a Process Group:
Led by a licensed mental health professional trained in process-oriented group counseling/therapy.
Focuses on emotional expression and self-awareness.
Encourages interpersonal feedback and relationship dynamics.
Typically long-term and open-ended.
Often used in trauma recovery, mental health treatment, and self-exploration.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals who want to deepen their emotional understanding, explore relational dynamics, and receive therapist-guided support may benefit from a process group.
What Is a Psychoeducational Group?
A psychoeducational group combines elements of education and support, focusing on teaching psychological concepts, coping skills, and self-awareness strategies. These groups are often used in mental health and addiction treatment settings and are typically led by a mental health professional.
Key Features of a Psychoeducational Group:
Blends education with discussion to teach coping strategies and psychological insight.
Often structured with a curriculum and guided sessions.
Focuses on topics like anxiety management, trauma recovery, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
May include worksheets, activities, and skill-building exercises.
Encourages knowledge-based self-improvement rather than emotional deep-diving.
Who Can Benefit?
If you are looking for both educational tools and group support, a psychoeducational group is a great fit. It allows for learning practical strategies while engaging in shared discussion.
What Is a Therapeutic Group?
A therapeutic group is a broad term that encompasses therapy-based groups facilitated by licensed professionals. These groups integrate elements of process work, psychoeducation, and skill-building to help members address psychological concerns and improve emotional well-being.
Key Features of a Therapeutic Group:
Led by licensed therapists or mental health professionals.
Can focus on healing trauma, reducing anxiety, managing depression, or navigating major life changes.
Often blends techniques from multiple therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy.
Provides a safe, structured space for guided self-reflection and healing.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals who want to actively engage in therapy within a group setting may find a therapeutic group beneficial. It is particularly useful for those seeking deep healing and long-term support.
What Is a Skills Group?
A skills group focuses on practical tools and strategies to help individuals manage emotions, behaviors, and relationships effectively. Skills groups are often used in mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and stress management programs.
Key Features of a Skills Group:
Focuses on learning and practicing specific coping strategies.
Often based on structured therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, or mindfulness-based techniques.
Provides homework or real-world exercises to reinforce learning.
Common topics include emotion regulation, distress tolerance, communication skills, and mindfulness.
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone looking to develop concrete skills for mental health management, stress reduction, or behavioral change may benefit from a skills group.
What’s right for me?
If you’re unsure which type of group is right for you, consider your goals:
Seeking community and shared experiences? → Join a support group.
Want to explore emotions in depth? → A process group may be best.
Need practical tools for coping? → Try a psychoeducational or skills group.
Looking for therapy in a group setting? → Consider a therapeutic group.
No matter your choice, participating in a group setting can be a transformative step toward growth, connection, and healing.
