Self-Help Groups

The Theory and History of Self-Help Groups

Self-help groups are sometimes known as mutual aid or support groups. They are voluntary associations of people who share something in commonusually a desire to overcome a personal problem or cope with a problem in the family that they all might share. These groups have been in existence in their modern form for decades and can be traced back to the early 20th century.

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group, for example, was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. It is perhaps one of the most well-known self-help groups in the world. AA's 12-step program is in fact a model for many other groups dealing with a variety of issues, like substance abuse or any kind of addiction. The success of AA can be attributed to its peer-led approach, where members support one another in their recovery journey.

The rise of self-help groups is due to different factors. One factor is the awareness that people who share in some contrast, psychotherapeutic group therapy is led by trained professionals. Another difference is that self-help groups offer emotional support, whereas psychotherapeutic group therapy is more structured towards providing therapeutic interventions and outcomes. Then there is the difference of participation: membership in self-help groups is voluntary, and people can join or leave at any time. Psychotherapeutic groups, however, might be a part of a structured treatment plan. Cost is yet another difference: self-help groups are often free or have a minimal cost, while psychotherapeutic…