How To Start Your Own Therapist Support Group For Better Mental Health
Therapists typically understand the importance of positive mental health practices for their clients as well as for themselves. Many therapists seek personal therapy for themselves, and some practitioners regularly engage in group therapy or support groups as well. Peer support groups may be especially important, as they connect a therapist with others who understand the unique challenges of providing therapy. Here, we’ll talk about what these types of groups usually involve and tips for starting one yourself.
What do therapist support groups involve?
What is their main purpose?
Support group meetings might take many forms. They may be dedicated to problem-solving for specific cases, providing emotional support and encouraging mental wellness, or addressing specific concerns related to the practice of therapy, such as experiencing vicarious trauma or dealing with the administrative challenges of managing a practice.
What do the group therapy sessions look like?
These groups can vary widely depending on the individuals involved and their needs. For instance, they may be in person or online, highly structured or informal, led by a facilitator or group-led. Despite the possible variations, they’re often intended to provide one or more of the following.
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Therapist support group for emotional and mental well-being
Providing therapy to others comes with potential risks to a practitioner's own mental and emotional well-being, as evidenced by the literature on topics like compassion fatigue. Positive social interactions can be an important part of self-care, which can be essential for preventing or recovering from compassion fatigue. Support from friends or family members can be helpful, but those who do not work in the mental healthcare sector may find it challenging to understand the unique challenges of practicing therapy.
Emotional and social support group meetings for therapists typically focus on the well-being of the mental health professionals involved. Clinicians might share recent challenges, describe how they manage them, or request help developing new strategies or perspectives. They may also simply need to vent, be heard, and receive validation for their experiences. Groups of this nature tend to be less formal than other groups that provide professional support. There are typically many opportunities for open expression and empathetic encouragement within these groups.
Peer case consultation
Peer consultation groups tend to focus on addressing practical concerns within the therapeutic environment. They tend to have some kind of formal structure, and group participants usually agree on ground rules regarding non-judgment, conduct, leadership, and how information is presented. Many groups adopt a standard case presentation structure where a therapist presents a clinical problem with which they are struggling. Following their presentation, the other members of the group offer insight, advice, validation, or guidance based on their own experiences and perceptions.
A peer consultation group can be useful for both new and experienced therapists. They offer an opportunity for critical examination of the facts of a case, helping the presenting clinician step outside of their current conception and consider new ideas. Not only does the brainstorming process likely lead to improved patient outcomes, but therapists can also gain insights from it that may resonate in ways they did not expect.
Because of the clinical nature of consultation groups, less time is usually dedicated to providing emotional and social support. Encouragement and validation are usually readily available if a therapist is struggling with a difficult case, but much of the focus is on providing practical guidance. Because of this, topics related to the mental well-being of the clinician—like managing burnout—are usually not the primary focus of such a group.
Group therapy sessions: Collaboration with mental health professionals
A professional collaboration group is similar to a peer case consultation group. However, instead of focusing on specific patient cases, participants focus on professional issues within the therapy community. Common topics of discussion might include managing a practice, advancements in a certain therapeutic approach, billing and insurance, or any other subjects that professional practitioners may encounter.
Members sometimes take turns making special topic presentations where they share information regarding an important topic in the field. Examples of some topics might include awareness of the needs of marginalized populations, recent revelations from research, or changes to regulations that may be relevant in a specific area.
Professional collaboration groups sometimes also discuss recent conferences or continuing education opportunities. They may maintain a professional network of resources to help members find assistance in solving certain problems. Members might also volunteer their time and effort outside the group to help new therapists acclimate or solve common early-practice concerns.
Tips for starting your own therapist support group
If you can’t find local groups that meet your needs, you may want to consider establishing your own group. There are very few rigid guidelines when establishing a group to support other therapists, but it may be helpful to consider the following steps in the process.
Choose a specific purpose for your therapist support group
You should know what you want the group to accomplish before members meet for the first time. Will the group dedicate most of its time to professional consultation? Is it intended as a safe space for clinicians to manage burnout or compassion fatigue? What degree of professional development do you hope the group will encourage? Consider these and other questions about the group’s purpose before proceeding.
Decide on membership
Broadly, groups are typically open or closed. Open groups allow admission to the general public or a broad group of people, such as any therapist practicing in a certain city. Closed groups typically have exclusive membership, and members must either be vetted or meet certain criteria before joining. For example, you might start by creating a group that is only open to other therapists in your practice, or you might restrict the group to only therapists who are treating people with eating disorders, for instance.
Decide the venue and schedule
The group will need a suitable place to meet. Consider potential enrollment and available space. You might meet after-hours in a clinic conference room or find space in a local church, library, or community center. Though it may not be the right format in every case, some groups may also meet virtually. Once you have a place, decide on an appropriate meeting schedule. Many groups opt to meet once or twice a month, whereas some groups meet multiple times per week to ensure everyone’s schedule is accommodated.
Consider the meeting structure
If your group needs to stick to a specific timeframe, as with many groups dedicated to professional consultation, you may want to consider whether each meeting will have a certain structure. You may also want to start a sign-up process for case presentations or special topic presentations.
Consider leadership
If the group has a formal structure, it may be helpful to appoint yourself as the leader, conduct elections, or find another way to determine who will lead the group. If the group is more informal, it may be possible to have a leadership rotation where members take turns planning and facilitating.
Promote the group
Once you have a purpose, location, and rough structure, recruit others by spreading the word to interested parties. It may be helpful to start small as you get the group off the ground. The members of the group can then help dictate the direction of growth based on their needs.
Career stress support for mental health professionals
Peer support groups for therapists offer opportunities to address stress, grow as clinicians, and/or develop skills to enhance their practice. While these groups can be helpful, sometimes circumstances arise that are best addressed in a one-on-one setting. If you’re facing challenges that come from practicing therapy, it may be helpful to pursue individual counseling to help you manage your concerns.
Consider online therapy
If your schedule is hectic or you simply prefer to attend therapy from home or your office, you may wish to consider online therapy. Online therapists have the same training and credentials as in-person therapists, but you can engage with them remotely without the hassle of commuting. Online therapists also use the same evidence-based techniques with which you are likely familiar, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Online therapy has increased in popularity in recent years, corresponding with a growing body of research to measure its effectiveness. Evidence continues to suggest that online therapy may be an effective alternative to traditional therapy in many cases, making it a viable option for many.
Takeaway
What is a support group in therapy?
A support group in therapy is a space where individuals gather to share their thoughts, experiences, and challenges in a supportive environment. These groups are often led by a group therapist or another trained mental health professional and are designed to help participants feel less alone in what they’re going through.
In a therapy group, group members share their personal experiences, learn from one another, and offer encouragement. This process can promote healing, foster the development of new skills, and create a sense of connection. Some groups are more process-oriented, while others focus on specific goals or topics like anxiety, depression, or relationships.
This kind of therapy can be held as in-person meetings or through an online group format. Each support group varies based on the needs of the members and the structure chosen by the group leader. Some groups follow a group psychotherapy model or operate as a process group, providing a safe space for exploring deeper relational patterns.
Support groups benefit a wide range of individuals, including students, nurse practitioners, social workers, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and other mental health providers. These groups often comprise individuals from diverse populations who are seeking support or looking to develop coping tools and communication skills.
Deciding to join a support group can be a powerful step toward personal growth, better relationships, and improved mental health.
What are examples of support groups?
Support groups can focus on different goals. Many are created by mental health professionals to give people a space for connection and peer support.
Examples include:
- A process group for therapists to talk through work-related stress and emotional burnout
- A local community support group for those coping with anxiety, grief, or trauma
- A peer support group for licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in training to share challenges and build confidence
- An online process group led by a mental health professional for caregivers or social workers
- A professional group within a community focused on practice development or clinical training
Some groups are more personal, while others focus on the training and support of LPCs or therapists. You can often identify a group based on your needs and interests—or even create one if it doesn’t exist yet.
How do you find a support group?
To find a support group, you can join an existing one or create your own. Many mental health professionals, including licensed professional counselors (LPCs), look for groups that offer peer support and shared understanding.
A process group may focus on emotional support, while others may be designed for training or career growth. You can identify groups in your community by asking other members, searching online, or checking with local clinics, schools, and counseling networks.
Some groups are created by LPCs or mental health professionals to support each other through their personal and professional challenges. You can also find process groups as part of continuing education or peer consultation.
If you don’t see a group that fits, you may want to create one. Many mental health professionals begin small, inviting a few trusted members and building from there. As the group grows, it can offer strong peer support and become a place for connection, reflection, and learning.
Joining or creating a group can be especially helpful if you're an LPC, in training, or working in the mental health field. These groups can help you stay grounded, supported, and connected to your community.
What do they do in support groups?
In support groups, members gather to share their personal experiences, listen to one another, and offer peer support. These group sessions provide a safe, process-oriented space where people can feel heard and understood.
Mental health professionals or a clinical psychologist may often facilitate these groups to guide discussions. Some support groups are structured as a process group, which focuses on emotional expression, interpersonal relationships, and exploring how participants relate to one another in real time.
Depending on the format, support groups can meet as an in-person or an online group. An online group may be beneficial for individuals with limited access to in-person services or those interested in more flexible options. New members are typically welcomed with a brief orientation to help them feel at ease.
People often join these groups to explore specific challenges, build healthier relationships, or identify how mental health affects their daily lives. Participants may also discuss their past experiences or develop new coping strategies with the help of their peers. These sessions can be especially valuable for licensed professional counselors (LPCs), students, or anyone in the mental health field.
Support groups offer numerous benefits, including connection, validation, and valuable insights. Group members may also receive informal training in communication skills, personal awareness, and emotional regulation. While not every group is a good fit for everyone, those who participate often report feeling more supported than they did before joining.
What is a support group for mental health?
A support group for mental health is a space where clients can connect with others who face similar challenges and share their experiences. These groups are often made up of group members and peers who talk openly about their struggles and offer one another encouragement.
Led by a group therapist, clinical supervisor, or trained mental health professional, these group sessions are designed to promote healing, strengthen communication, and foster supportive relationships. Some groups are process-oriented, focusing on emotional insight and growth, while others may center on specific goals or a particular group, such as students, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), or those in college or graduate school.
Support groups can be held in person or as an online group, depending on the needs of the community. They’re also useful for those in the mental health field who want to enhance their professional lives and build skills through shared insight.
New members are often invited to join based on interest and availability. Participation is voluntary, and being part of a group can help members feel more connected to one another. It also enables them to identify healthy patterns, enhance group dynamics, and reflect on how mental health impacts their lives.
Whether you're interested in learning, giving back, or simply seeking support, support groups offer unique benefits that other services may not provide. They can also serve as a valuable resource for training.
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