What Is the Difference Between a Support Group and a Therapy Group?

When you’re going through a tough time-whether it’s grief, addiction, anxiety, or a chronic illness-you might hear about two kinds of groups: support groups and therapy groups. They sound similar. Both involve people talking in a room together. Both offer comfort. But they’re not the same. And knowing the difference can make a big difference in what kind of help you actually get.

Support Groups Are About Sharing, Not Fixing

Support groups are built on peer connection. People come together because they share a common experience. Maybe everyone’s lost a child. Maybe everyone’s in recovery from alcohol. Maybe everyone’s living with Parkinson’s. The goal isn’t to change you. It’s to let you know you’re not alone.

There’s no trained therapist leading the group. Usually, it’s a facilitator-someone who’s been there, maybe even a volunteer from a local nonprofit. They keep the conversation flowing, make sure no one dominates, and remind people to respect each other’s boundaries. But they don’t give advice like a counselor would.

What happens in these groups? People talk. They cry. They laugh. They share what worked for them last week-like how a walk at dawn helped quiet their anxiety. Someone else says, "I tried that. It didn’t work for me." And that’s okay. No one’s being judged. No one’s being diagnosed. It’s just real talk between people who get it.

Support groups in Auckland, like those run by the Mental Health Foundation or local hospices, often meet in community centers, libraries, or churches. They’re free. No referral needed. You can show up, sit down, and listen. Or speak. Or just sit quietly. There’s no pressure.

Therapy Groups Are Led by Professionals, Focused on Change

Therapy groups are different. They’re led by licensed mental health professionals-psychologists, clinical social workers, counselors-with training in group dynamics and therapeutic techniques. These aren’t just people sharing stories. They’re guided sessions designed to help you change how you think, feel, or behave.

In a therapy group, you might do role-playing to practice saying no to a toxic friend. Or learn mindfulness exercises to handle panic attacks. Or explore childhood patterns that still affect your relationships. The group becomes a lab for trying new ways of being, with feedback from both the therapist and other members.

Therapy groups often follow a structure. Maybe it’s cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or interpersonal therapy. Each session has a focus. Homework might be assigned. Progress is tracked. You might be asked to rate your mood before and after each meeting.

These groups usually have a set number of sessions-8 to 12 weeks is common. You sign up, you commit. You’re expected to show up regularly. It’s more like a class than a casual meetup.

Who Leads Each Group?

This is one of the clearest differences. Support groups are led by peers or trained volunteers. Therapy groups are led by licensed clinicians with degrees and certifications.

That means therapy groups have legal and ethical standards. Therapists follow confidentiality rules, keep records, and are accountable to professional boards. If something goes wrong, there’s a system to address it.

Support groups don’t have that. A facilitator might be kind, caring, and experienced-but they’re not trained to handle a crisis. If someone in the group says they’re thinking of suicide, the facilitator might not know how to respond safely. That’s why many support groups have a policy: "If you’re in danger, call 1737 or go to the hospital. We’re here to listen, but we’re not equipped to handle emergencies."

What Do You Pay?

Most support groups in New Zealand are free. Some might ask for a small donation to cover tea and biscuits, but you won’t be turned away if you can’t pay.

Therapy groups usually cost money. Even with a mental health plan through your GP, you might still pay $50-$100 per session. Some community health centers offer sliding scale fees based on income, but you’ll need to ask. Private therapy groups can cost even more.

That’s not to say support groups are "less valuable." They’re just different. One is about connection. The other is about healing through professional intervention.

When Should You Choose One Over the Other?

Think of it like this: if you need to feel less alone, go to a support group. If you need to change how you react to stress, trauma, or relationships, go to therapy.

Many people use both. Someone in recovery from addiction might attend a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting (support group) to stay grounded, and go to a weekly DBT group (therapy group) to learn emotional regulation skills.

If you’re newly diagnosed with depression, a support group can help you feel less broken. But if you’ve been struggling for years and feel stuck in cycles of self-criticism, therapy group work can help you break free.

And if you’re unsure? Talk to your GP. They can tell you what’s available locally. In Auckland, organizations like Lifeline, Depression.org.nz, and the Auckland District Health Board can connect you to both types of groups.

What You Won’t Get in a Support Group

Don’t expect diagnosis. Don’t expect treatment plans. Don’t expect clinical feedback.

Someone might say, "I had the same feeling and it helped when I started journaling." That’s helpful. But they’re not a doctor. They can’t tell you if you have generalized anxiety disorder. They can’t prescribe medication. They can’t give you a clinical assessment.

If you’re wondering whether you need professional help, a support group isn’t the place to get that answer. But it might be the place that gives you the courage to go see someone who can.

What You Won’t Get in a Therapy Group

Therapy groups are powerful, but they’re not magic. You won’t get instant fixes. You won’t get personalized attention like in one-on-one therapy. The therapist has to divide their focus among 6-10 people.

You also won’t get casual chats over coffee afterward. Therapy groups usually end on time. No lingering. No informal bonding. That’s by design-it keeps the space safe and professional.

And if you’re looking for someone to just listen without any structure or goal? Therapy groups aren’t built for that. They’re for growth. For change. For work.

Can You Do Both?

Yes. And many people do.

Take someone managing bipolar disorder. They might go to a peer-led mood disorder support group to feel understood. Then they go to a CBT-based therapy group to learn how to spot early warning signs of a manic episode.

Or a parent whose child has autism. They join a support group for parents to vent about school meetings and sleepless nights. Then they attend a therapy group focused on communication strategies to help their child at home.

These aren’t competing options. They’re complementary. One gives you belonging. The other gives you tools.

How to Find the Right Group for You

Start by asking yourself: Do I need to be heard? Or do I need to change?

If you’re new to this, try a support group first. They’re easier to join. No paperwork. No waiting lists. You can test the waters.

If you’ve tried that and still feel stuck, talk to your GP or a mental health professional. They can recommend therapy groups that match your needs.

Here are a few places to start in Auckland:

• Mental Health Foundation NZ - Offers listings for both peer and professional groups
• Depression.org.nz - Free support groups and therapy referrals
• Healthpoint - Online directory of mental health services across New Zealand
• Local libraries - Many host free community support groups

Don’t wait for things to get worse before you reach out. You don’t need to be "broken" to benefit from either kind of group. You just need to be ready to show up.