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Self-help groups

What they are and how they can help you


There are many types of self-help the pioneers who traveled west or the of group exercises designed to
groups. People give these groups families who farmed during the Great increase-self-awareness and
different names, such as support groups Depression. Times were tough for these promote desired growth and
or discussion groups. They also have individuals and families, but they made change in individuals.
different ideas about what these groups the best of their situations by offering • Social/recreational group—
do. This publication describes a self- mutual support. primary function is to meet people
help group that is led primarily by its and have fun; the members also
Today, self-help groups continue to be
members and compares this type of often participate in an organized
important. An estimated half million
group with other groups. It also offers activity, such as volleyball,
groups have formed and are organized
suggestions for forming your own self- quilting, or cards.
around almost every conceivable
help group.
human condition—illness, disabilities, • Educational group—meets
What is a self-help group? emotional problems, or addictions. primarily to fulfill the members’
An example needs for information. It often
If you think about it, you probably have
Simply put, a self-help group is any makes use of discussion activities
been a member of a number of informal
group that offers emotional support and and guest speakers.
self-help groups, although you didn’t
practical help with a problem that is • Social action group—energies are
realize it at the time. The first group
common to all members. focused on making changes in the
you received from, and later gave to,
However, the type of group proposed in was your family. As you entered external environment. Members
this publication also operates with the school, you became a part of other often try to inform the public about
following assumptions: groups in which you worked and shared political issues and influence
fun—sports teams, 4-H clubs, or public policy.
• People can give and receive more
in a group setting than they can by church organizations. • Therapy group—is led by a trained
themselves. professional and focuses on the
As an adult, you have joined other
emotional issues of members.
• People going through difficult informal and helpful groups. You
times feel better when they can probably enjoy spending time at your Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish
share their feelings and friends’ homes visiting about everyday between the type of self-help group
experiences with others who are life and problems. As you can see, it’s proposed in this publication and the
“in the same boat.” natural to gather together for support groups listed above. That’s because
• The self-help group is member-led. and fellowship. groups often are mixtures of several
Group members take turns being functions. In fact, the model of the self-
What distinguishes self-help
leaders for group sessions. help group proposed in this publication
groups from other groups?
borrows many concepts from the
• What is shared within the group is Some groups, however, are formed
groups listed above.
kept confidential. more intentionally to help their
members solve problems. A list of these For instance, a self-help group may
Self-help groups are not new. People
groups might include the following: engage in activities that cause its
have helped each other and worked
• Growth/improvement group— members to change and grow. Often the
together since the beginning of time.
focuses on individual rather than members set aside time to socialize,
You probably have read stories about
social change. It often uses a series perhaps visiting over dessert and

SP 150 July 2001


coffee. They may ask a guest lecturer to By intentionally taking the time to get isn’t for you. You may need to talk with
speak during one meeting, but together with others, you will learn a family counselor or join a therapy
generally the learning is more informal you’re not alone. As you discuss your group. Members of your self-help
and group-generated. Occasionally they problems with others, you will find group or the group’s initiators should
may become involved in some type of others share your difficulties and care have names of helpful counselors in
social action, but this is not their what happens to you. your area.
primary purpose. And a self-help group
A self-help group can offer you support Who can start a
often helps members cope with their
you may not find in other groups. The self-help group?
feelings and get group support.
members of a self-help group know Self-help groups can be started by
But a distinction should be made here what you’re experiencing because professionals, such as mental health
between a self-help group and a therapy they’ve been there themselves. workers, ministers, or extension
group. In a self-help group, all group Sometimes being with people who personnel. Or you can start a group
members are “in the same boat.” know from experience how you feel yourself.
Everyone gives help to and receives makes all the difference.
The group probably will function more
help from the others.
Even if you’re handling your situation smoothly and meet its members’ needs
In a therapy group, a trained leader well, you still can benefit from better if the members think about the
offers group members guidance, membership in a self-help group. You group’s goals at the first meeting.
direction, and support. He or she does can learn from others and they can gain Making sure everyone understands the
not come to the group looking for help from your support. ground rules and feels comfortable with
with personal or emotional problems. the format can prevent problems down
Also, if you’re interested in becoming a
Thus, the therapist is able to offer his or the road.
peer counselor, the valuable give-and-
her clients different help than any self-
take that occurs in such a setting is If you have concerns about your future,
help group member can probably give.
excellent experience. In others words, you may find it helpful to share your
Therapy groups serve an important
participation in a self-help group is the feelings with other people. Although
function for those who need them.
first step in preparing you to help there are no easy answers to financial
Why bother with a others help themselves. and family problems, being able to
self-help group? share your concerns with others in the
Is a self-help group for you?
If self-help groups are a natural part of same situation may lighten your load.
Self-help groups are not for everyone.
our lives and many helpful groups You will find you’re not alone. You can
Some people cannot benefit from the
already exist, why bother creating or learn how others have dealt with their
give and take of a self-help group
joining a self-help group? problems, and you may find you’re
because they may not be ready to share
able to help others who are
One answer is that membership in a their feelings and experiences. Or they
experiencing tough times.
self-help group reminds you that you may monopolize group discussions, not
are surrounded by others who care. because they don’t care about group Also available on the World Wide Web:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/store
Sometimes, you get so busy with members’ needs, but because they need
Reviewed by Colleen Jolly, family life
personal and family activities, it’s easy the help of a counselor or therapy
specialist, Iowa State University Extension.
not to make time for friends and group.
. . . and justice for all
neighbors. This is especially true when The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
One way to find out if a self-help group discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis
hard times hit. of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age,
is for you is to attend a few meetings. disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or
family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all
During difficult times, you also may Then ask yourself two questions: programs.) Many materials can be made available in
alternative formats for ADA clients. To file a complaint of
feel uncomfortable about getting 1. Do I leave the meeting feeling discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room
326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue,
together with others. You feel as though better than before I came? SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964.
everyone is talking about your Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts
2. Am I able to listen to other
problems … but that no one of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S.
members of the group and offer Department of Agriculture. Stanley R. Johnson, director,
understands quite what you’re going Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of
them support? Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa.
through. You may feel alone.
File: Family life 3
If you answer “no” to either of these
This ISU Extension publication was formerly published as
questions, perhaps a self-help group PM 1221b.

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