WHAT IS A SUPPORT GROUP?

A space built around shared experience. 

 A support group is a facilitated group where people come together around a common experience, concern or stage of life, a reminder that what you're going through rarely happens in isolation from everyone else's experience too.  Unlike individual therapy, the focus isn't only on one person's experience. Group members learn from one another, hear different perspectives, and often realise that things they thought were unique to them are shared by others in the room. Our groups are facilitated by a mental-health professional who keeps the space respectful, supportive and structured, without making it feel clinical or stiff. At Sophia Mental Health, our support groups are built around genuine choice: you participate at your own pace, share only what feels comfortable, and simply listen when that's what you need instead. 

WHAT CAN SUPPORT GROUPS BE ABOUT

●  Grief and loss

●  Anxiety and stress

●  Substance Abuse

●  Young adults and life transitions

●  Personal relationship and interpersonal difficulties

●  Self-esteem and self-image

●  Caregiver experiences

●  Parenting challenges

●  Emotional wellbeing

●  Adjustment to major life changes

●  Other shared experiences

WHAT DOES A SUPPORT GROUP LOOK LIKE?

A support group is a facilitated psychological intervention built around shared experience, connection and practical support. The facilitator creates structure for the group, introduces relevant psychological concepts, guides discussion and helps members explore their experiences in a respectful and constructive way.

The exact format depends on the purpose of the group, but sessions may include:

Guided Conversation

The facilitator introduces a topic and helps members explore it together.

Sharing of Experiences

Members can share experiences, perspectives and coping strategies, creating opportunities for connection and mutual understanding. You can listen, contribute to the discussion, share your experiences or take some time to settle into the group. Participation can happen at your own pace, with each person choosing what feels appropriate to share.

  1. Psychoeducation

Relevant psychological information is introduced to help members better understand their experiences.

Reflection

Participants may use guided prompts to explore their thoughts, emotions, patterns and experiences.

Practical Strategies

Where appropriate, sessions may include coping skills, communication strategies or other practical tools that can be used outside the group.

WHAT MAKES A GROUP FEEL SAFE?

Clear Boundaries

Every group begins with clear expectations around respect, privacy, communication and participation.

  1. Facilitated Support

The facilitator helps the group navigate differences respectfully, makes space for different perspectives, to redirect to a more productive conversation.

 Reach out now to find out about the support groups that are currently running.

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FAQs

Who Are Support Groups For?

●  People going through a shared experience

●  People who want connection with others facing something similar

●  People who would like to learn more about a particular concern

●  People who feel isolated in what they are experiencing

●  People who want a structured space to talk and listen

Some groups may have specific eligibility criteria, age ranges or participation requirements depending on the topic. We will clearly explain these before you join.

Do I have to share personal experiences in the group?

No. You can listen, contribute, or share when and how it feels right for you. We believe meaningful participation can look different for different people, and your boundaries matter.

What if my experience is different from everyone else’s?

That is okay. A group brings together people with shared experiences, not identical ones. Different perspectives can deepen understanding and help us see our own experiences in new ways.

What happens if I disagree with someone in the group?

Different opinions and experiences are welcome. The facilitator helps the group navigate disagreement respectfully, making space for different perspectives while keeping the conversation constructive and safe.

How confidential is a support group?

We ask everyone to respect the privacy of what is shared in the group. However, because a group involves multiple participants, complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in the same way as in individual therapy. This is discussed clearly before the group begins.

What can I actually get out of a support group?

A group can offer more than simply having a place to talk. You may gain a better understanding of yourself, learn from other people's experiences, develop practical ways of coping, practise communication and interpersonal skills, and feel less alone in what you're going through.