Support Groups vs. Therapy Groups: What’s the Difference & Which One Is Right for You?
In early parenthood, community matters. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights, postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, or the identity shifts of becoming a parent, having a space to share your story can make all the difference. But one of the most common questions I hear is:
“What’s the difference between a support group and a therapy group?”
While both are incredibly valuable, they serve different purposes, provide different types of support, and have different outcomes. Understanding the difference can help you figure out what kind of space will support you best in this season.
What Is a Support Group?
Support groups are peer-based, meaning members come together because they share a lived experience.
✨ Key Features of Support Groups
Focused on community, connection, and shared experience
Led by a peer facilitator or community leader (not always a licensed clinician)
Emphasis on feeling seen, understood, and less alone
Members share stories, coping strategies, and encouragement
Often low or no cost
Usually drop-in or lightly structured
Support Groups Are Great For:
Reducing isolation
Meeting others who “get it”
Normalizing emotional experiences
Getting encouragement without pressure to “perform” or “fix”
Feeling supported without clinical treatment
Examples in the Perinatal Space
Postpartum support meetups
Lactation and feeding circles
Mom-and-baby groups
Military family meetups
Grief & pregnancy loss support circles
Bottom line: Support groups help you feel connected, less alone, and validated.
What Is a Therapy Group?
Unlike support groups, therapy groups are clinical, structured, and led by a licensed therapist trained to treat emotional, psychological, and relational needs.
✨ Key Features of Therapy Groups
Facilitated by a licensed clinician
Structured curriculum with weekly skills and therapeutic goals
Members receive clinical tools and interventions
Focused on healing, behavior change, and emotional regulation
Requires clinical intake and screening to ensure fit and safety
Confidentiality expectations and treatment plan included
Often scheduled in clear start-to-finish cycles (e.g., 8- or 12-weeks)
Therapy Groups Are Ideal For:
Postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or birth trauma
Emotional regulation challenges (irritability, overwhelm, rage)
Attachment strain or postpartum relationship stress
Loss, grief, feeding trauma, birth trauma, NICU recovery
Desire to learn practical tools for coping rather than just sharing
Examples
DBT groups for perinatal populations
EMDR-informed trauma processing groups
Parenting skills therapy groups
Postpartum anxiety treatment groups
Bottom line: Therapy groups provide clinical treatment, not just connection.
Why the Distinction Matters
Parents often believe they “should be okay” after hearing validation in a support group—but if symptoms persist (rage, panic, depression, intrusive thoughts, trauma triggers), connection alone isn’t always enough.
Support groups reduce isolation. Therapy groups reduce symptoms.
A support group may help you feel seen… A therapy group helps you heal, regulate, and recover.
So Which One Do You Need?
You might benefit from a support group if: ✔ You’re craving community ✔ You want shared stories more than structured strategies ✔ You don’t need clinical treatment ✔ You feel mostly okay, but isolated
You might benefit from a therapy group if: ✔ Your anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms are impacting daily life ✔ You need skills, coping strategies, and treatment ✔ You want to understand triggers and regulate emotions ✔ You’re ready to do deeper therapeutic work
Many parents benefit from both at different stages.
The Power of Both: Holding You Through the Transition
Early parenthood often requires more than one layer of support. A peer circle might help you feel connected on Monday… while a therapy group on Thursday supports you in learning how to regulate, communicate, and heal.
Both matter. Both are valid. Both can be life-changing.
If You’re Ready for Support + Healing
I currently offer:
🌱 Perinatal DBT Therapy Group
For pregnant and postpartum parents
Focus on emotional regulation, identity shifts, communication, and coping skills
Scholarships and financial support available
If you’re unsure whether a support group or therapy group is best, I’m happy to guide you through the options.
You deserve support, healing, and community—without having to figure it all out alone.
📩 Interested in joining or exploring which fit is right for you? Email me at skarim@karimcounseling or fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation.