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Criteria for Choosing an Agoraphobia Support Group
by Stephen Price
If you have
agoraphobia, a support group might be helpful.
Going to a support group can help you to know that you are
not alone in your suffering and give you a chance to build
relationships with people who are going through the same
thing and know what you are going through. At support
groups, agoraphobia sufferers can share their successes with
one another and give each other encouragement.
There are basically two types of agoraphobia support groups:
1) Groups led by a mental health professional
2) Groups led by a peer who has experience with agoraphobia
A professionally-led group for agoraphobia should offer
professional training in cognitive and behavioral recovery
methods, the latest information on agoraphobia related to
recovery, referrals for medication as needed, opportunities
for support/counseling for the sufferer and close friends or
family.
A peer-led group for agoraphobia should offer insight from
people's personal experiences in recovery, self-help
recovery methods, a supportive atmosphere of care and
confidentiality, and information on agoraphobia, treatments,
and medications.
Peer-led support groups for agoraphobia should also promote
the use of research-proven recovery methods (cognitive and
behavioral) and encourage sufferers to be disciplined in the
practice of facing their fears using these methods. Peer-led
support groups can also be a good source of accountability
for setting goals and actively striving to meet them.
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