There is a common misconception that group therapy and support groups are the same thing.  Some might joke, the only difference is you have to pay for one and the other is free. Even when I tell many of the people I am friends with, or people who I go to church with, that my fulltime profession is facilitating therapy groups, the most common response is either a reference to Alcoholics Anonymous or some type of church life group or Bible study. I spend more time than I would have imagined explaining that group therapy and support groups are not interchangeable names for the same thing.  In fact, a psychotherapy group has several significant differences from Anonymous groups or groups offered by a local church. 

The first and main difference between a therapy group and a support group is the purpose of the group.  The purpose of a therapy group is centered around creating and facilitating a space that fosters individual change.  A therapy group is facilitated by a professional therapist with multiple clients sharing the meaningful content of their lives and analyzing how they relate to one another.  The purpose of a support group is exactly what the name describes, a group centered around offering support for its members.  A support group is a group of people with common experiences, concerns, or beliefs who provide emotional and moral support for one another. Just to be clear, there are times where a therapy group clearly offers support, just as there are times where members of a support group clearly change.  However, the purpose of each group is different. In very simple terms, support groups are focused on support; psychotherapy groups are focused on change. 

Both group therapy and support groups offer participants valuable perspective. Oftentimes when we’re going through a challenging time or situation we may feel quite alone thinking our problem or life situation is unique.  Group therapy and support groups both offer a place where members can learn that they are not alone, which offers a comforting camaraderie when working through an issue or particularly difficult time.  In both types of groups, participants are at different places in their journey through life.  As a result, participants can see that change is possible simply by listening to the stories of different members, which often instills hope. 

Besides the purpose of the group, another main difference between a psychotherapy group and a support group is the role of interpersonal feedback. Group therapy is dynamic and members are almost always encouraged to interact, explore their interactions, and offer direct feedback to other members.  Often the most beneficial aspect of taking part in a therapy group is when group members offer one another feedback on how their experience of another member is either working or not working for them.  In a support group, sharing is encouraged, whereas telling someone what you think or feel about what they just said is nearly always frowned upon.  

Finally, and importantly, as mentioned earlier, group therapy is led by a trained and licensed professional.  The facilitator plays an important role in ensuring the healthy functioning of the group. In contrast, support groups often share the responsibility of leadership or are facilitated by lay people.  The therapist’s role includes anything from encouraging participation through feedback, establishing the guidelines of the group, addressing counterproductive behavior, and helping group members identify their work in the group. 

So, what kind of group is right for you?  First, it doesn’t have to be just one.  Second, your answer lies with your goal.  Are you looking for support and encouragement?  Or are you wanting something in your life to change?  

Jeff Grossman offers individual and group therapyin Nashville & Brentwood, Tennessee.