Group Attendance Reaction Support groups play a major part of clients continued recovery and the prevention of relapse. In addition, it also helps to be apart of a group of people whom have walked a similar path as yourself. Thus far in the program I have had the opportunity to attend AA meetings, NA meetings and many other support groups. For this assignment I wanted to explore something new. Within the last week of my practicum I was able to sit in on a national support group called the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). In this paper I will share my reaction to my experience, which will include how the group was structured, what the topic was for the group, how each member provided support, and specific issues the members brought …show more content…
The members consisted of approximately 20 adults with either a depression or bipolar diagnosis; however, there were members with other diagnosis including anxiety. The group was an open support group to members in the community who are dealing with a mental illness. The purpose of the meeting was for members to share their experiences, strategies, information, and personal feelings about living with a mood disorder. The group is an open group so members can enter and exit as they please. When I attended the group it was clear that the members had been coming regularly and formed a bond with each other. The main topic of the groups discussion was focused on depression and anxiety and how each of the members experience of living and coping with each of those factors. The group had an open discussion, and each member participated in the discussion providing their own personal feedback to members. I found the structure of the group to be extremely effective in allowing a safe environment for members to talk …show more content…
As the group progress the topic of support was brought up and one of the members mentioned that the group is part of his support system. He said that, the group provides him support in ways that other members of his family or friends cannot provide. He continued on by saying that each member has been through similar situations so the group supports him by being open minded and providing feedback that is helpful because they have walked down the same path before. I thought this was a great discussion that took place, because it was easy to see each member felt the same. The support being provided in this group was empathy, compassion, knowledge, companionship, and trust. Empathy and compassion was shown as each of the members shared their stories, and the members did not pass any judgment because they understood what they are going through. Some times in process groups this may not be the case, so this support groups is beneficial in that regard. In addition, the members showed knowledge by providing examples of how they got through a similar scenario, and how it may be helpful to the member who is struggling currently. Lastly, companionship and trust are areas of support in this group because members are allowed to interact with each other outside of group, while in process groups this may be discouraged. In addition, trust is gained because each member understands each other because they have been