Support Group
A space where people with similar experiences meet so they don't feel alone. A facilitator (not necessarily a psychologist) guides conversation. The goal is normalization and mutual support.
Group Therapy
A therapeutic process led by a trained psychologist or psychotherapist. The goal is change — in self-understanding and relational patterns. What happens between participants is the primary material for work.
The Core Difference
In a support group, relationships between participants are background. In group therapy, they are the main instrument. How do you react to this person? Why does this participant irritate you? This is a window into your patterns — the same ones that play out in your life outside the group.
When a Support Group Is Enough
When you're going through a specific difficult situation and want to be around people with similar experience.
When You Need Group Therapy
When you notice repeating patterns in relationships and want to understand why they happen and how to change them.