Group Therapy vs. Support Groups: What’s the Difference?

[JonSnow]

Group therapy has a therapist guiding sessions, while support groups offer shared experiences. Have you tried either? Which do you think is more helpful? Does professional guidance matter, or do peer-led groups provide enough support?

 

[Shree]

Group therapy is led by a licensed therapist, focusing on structured treatment and skill-building. Support groups, often peer-led, provide shared experiences and emotional support. Both help, but group therapy offers professional guidance, while support groups foster community. Choosing depends on whether you need therapy or peer connection.

 

[Deep]

I haven’t tried either, but professional guidance seems valuable, while peer support offers shared understanding.

 

[Noble]

Group therapy aims for therapeutic change and skills development, often with a cost and insurance coverage, I think people like support groups which focuses on mutual support and shared experiences, often with no cost.

 

[Hazel]

I see group therapy as structured sessions led by a therapist, focusing on specific issues, while support groups are informal, peer-led meetings for shared experiences. Both help me, but group therapy offers professional guidance.