Our meetings bring together people who are facing common life issues and challenges – you are not alone! You will be encouraged by others who understand what you are experiencing. Participants exchange practical tips and some meetings include helpful, research-based information. You can ask questions and also help others – a surprising way to help yourself. By comparing notes with others, you will have a better perspective on your situation and will be better able to deal with it. Many of our groups are sponsored by national organizations that have deep expertise in helping people like you – they really care and understand about the types of things you are dealing with.
No, membership in Support Groups Central is free!
Most of our meetings are free. They are sponsored by nonprofit organizations that are funded to help people like you. Some of our meetings do not have a sponsor so there is a small fee for registering for them. In either case, you can see if there is a cost before you register.
Our groups are led by caring, trained individuals who have personal experience with your issue. Many of them also have certifications, are licensed, or have advanced degrees in the area that they are assisting you with. They also have successfully completed a special Support Groups Central training program for working with people in our video-based meetings. Most important to know is that they work with others as a peer. They don’t lecture. Their job is to manage the conversation so that each person feels that they are being helped.
You will find helpful, caring people in each meeting. You will never be forced to do anything. You have complete control over your audio and video – you can mute the audio and/or turn off the video if you like. You can even use a made-up name if that feels more comfortable. You only participate as much as you are comfortable doing so. The feedback we have from thousands of people tell us that this type of meeting is very helpful and easy to participate in.
Two reasons: 1. We want you to really be able to connect with other people who understand and care about you. The video allows you to see other participants, and makes our meetings more like face to face meetings. 2. Many of our meetings include slides to help focus the meeting process and present helpful information.
No! You should also make use of any professional services that are available to you to help you with your issues. Our groups can be an additional support for you while you are getting help from a licensed professional.
