Support Groups
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Purpose of a Support Group
A support group allows people to express their feelings and provides a forum for discussion in a safe and confidential environment, amongst peers. Groups are guided by qualified facilitators who assist in directing discussions and can provide insight and understanding in regard to issues raised. The groups are for community discussion and support. They are not intended for intensive psychological or psychiatric support or therapy. |
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Rules & Aims of ADAVIC Support Groups (please download) 
What Happens at a Support Group?
- By Eva Savov (Support Group Facilitator)
A support group meeting is a safe forum for discussion to assist people on their path of recovery. As a facilitator of support group meetings I have seen many people come and go. Many have benefited immensely by attending support group meetings and others have misperceptions about support group meetings.
A support group meeting is designed for people who suffer from an anxiety disorder and for the carers. They are discussion groups, by no means a social gathering or a therapeutic group. Many people who suffer from an anxiety disorder feel that they are alone and no one understands their dread and fear. At a support group meeting they realise they are not alone and many share a common goal, to learn strategies on how to overcome this dread and fear. Within a support group we do not prescribe or diagnose, we suggest. It's a forum where people can get information about anxiety disorders, different therapies, workshops, professionals who specialise in anxiety disorders, but most of all a safe and confidential discussion group where people can share their stories and experiences. Support group meetings are also designed for the carers, to give the them a better understanding of what their loved one is going through.
The facilitators are not professionals; most of them are either psychology students or people who have recovered from an anxiety disorder. I fall into the latter category. Being a facilitator is one of the most rewarding things in my life. It gives me an opportunity to share my experience and to encourage others that they can overcome this dread and fear. After all I did. However it saddens me when I see people becoming stagnant and starting to view the support group meetings as their salvation, social gathering, therapy session or a place where they become opinionated about how a support group should be.
Within a support group meeting you will discover that everyone is at a different level of their recovery. Also many have inspiring stories to tell about their journey and their trials and tribulations and this is what a support group is about: for people to encourage and support each other and for the facilitators to guide the discussions and provide information. As I said earlier, more people have benefited from a support group meeting because they utilised what a support group has to offer. It makes me proud to be a facilitator when I see many of them return just to share how well they are managing their anxiety, how insightful the book we suggested was or how helpful the professional we recommended was.
Each of you will have a different story to tell and most of you will want some reassurance and this is why we are here, to hear your story and to encourage you.
June 2003
Do I have to book for the group? No. Bookings are not necessary; just turn up on the night. NOTE: No groups run on Public Holidays. There is no ongoing commitment required - you are welcome to visit once, ocassionally, or every week - what ever suits you!
How much does it cost to attend a group? There is a small fee to help cover room hire. The cost (payable on the night) is:
Is everything I say confidential? Yes! Confidentiality is an issue we take very seriously at ADAVIC. We realise there are many people who may only feel safe about discussing their private and very personal issues if they are in a confidential environment. Things that get discussed in group stay in group! Do I have to speak? No. There is no obligation to take part in the discussion. You are very welcome to just sit and listen. We find that people are more comfortable when they are not forced to talk - and are more willing to talk when the decision is up to them. What gets discussed at a support group? There are no set topics at an ADAVIC Support Group. The groups are informal in structure, but in a typical meeting, discussion may focus on a wide-range of topics such as:
Is it a therapy group? No. The groups aim to provide a comfortable place to talk about and listen to the issues and problems that people are facing. Whilst the groups may be therapeutically beneficial, the purpose is not to provide counselling support. We do try to focus on finding positives in situations and helping one another to manage and overcome problems. However, there is no pressure to 'change', and no one will force particular techniques or treatments upon you. Who runs the groups? Groups are run by trained facilitators. Many have had their own personal experiences with anxiety, depression and related disorders. Others are in-training psychologists or counsellors. Can I bring my partner, carer, friend? Yes! You are most welcome to bring support along with you. Often it is beneficial for partners, carers and friends to come and listen to the experiences of others, as it can help to gain insight and understanding of the issues.
Who attends the Support Groups? The groups are adult-oriented. All ages from 18 years and up - both male and female - are welcomed. The groups cater to both sufferers and carers. Please note: the groups are not intended for individuals who need intensive psychological or psychiatric support! The groups are focused towards supporting people that suffer from:
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Locate a Group in your area
Melbourne
[North] [East] [South-East] [West]
ADAVIC Currently has three support groups around Melbourne. The meetings take place in Community or Neighbourhood houses and are close to public transport.
If you wish to see a support group in your area, please contact ADAVIC to express your interest
We always wish to hear about the progress of our Support Groups.
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