The Nurturing Nature of Support Groups: Discovering Understanding, Empathy, and Community Amid Trying Circumstances

Thrive • September 29, 2022

By Thrive Wellness 

Hardships can feel isolating, but support groups can create a sense of solidarity by connecting individuals experiencing comparable difficulties and providing them with a format for learning, processing, and coping.  

WHAT ARE SUPPORT GROUPS?

A support group describes a regular gathering of individuals facing similar challenging circumstances who come together with the intention to understand their experiences and find comfort. In general, a support group has a specific theme that unites the members.

Support groups may vary in the ways they approach their overarching themes. For instance, a body image support group may take a psychoeducational tract by exploring information related to body image. Alternatively, a perinatal grief and loss support group may be more process-oriented, meaning that participants discuss their perinatal grief and loss experience and offer their thoughts regarding other members’ stories. 

A support group may also take the form of a skills group, where individuals develop helpful strategies for dealing with a challenge. For example, friends and family members of those with eating disorders may attend a support group with a curriculum that teaches ways to assist and empower their loved ones’ healing. 

Support groups can also change, merging different elements in ways that benefit their members. For instance, a support group may begin with the purpose of educating individuals about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and then become a process group for those participants who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of their experiences with OCD.

BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS

In everyday life, it may be difficult for an individual to connect with someone else who can honestly empathize with their struggles. Support groups allow participants to meet others who can relate to their difficulties. Members can come together to help each other understand, accept, and cope with similar hardships. In essence, a support group allows individuals to overcome any feelings of isolation and instead feel surrounded by a sense of community and companionship.

A support group can also inspire individuals to explore additional ways of enhancing their well-being. For instance, members of an intuitive eating support group may be able to provide suggestions for registered dietitians who can provide more guidance on the topic. Or, maybe an individual in a social anxiety support group finds it difficult to make friends but is able to create companionable connections with other group participants. 

SUPPORT GROUPS AND THERAPY

While support groups may be led by clinical experts, they differ from therapy in that there isn’t necessarily an individual therapist-client relationship. Instead, support groups often take the shape of a gathering of peers, as in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. While the overarching topic of the group unites its members, shapes the discussion, and influences the interactions, support groups are commonly casual and based in compassion. 

If it aligns with a person’s needs, attending therapy in conjunction with a support group may be beneficial. An individual just beginning therapy for anxiety may go to a psychoeducational anxiety support group to learn more about the condition. Similarly, a person in recovery from an eating disorder attending outpatient therapy may choose to participate in an eating disorder recovery support group to stay connected to others who are also progressing in their healing. 

A NOTE FOR SUPPORT GROUP NEWCOMERS

Many attending a support group for the first time feel nervous. They may question what elements of their experience to share and what details to leave out. If you’re considering going to a support group for the first time, know that many others are likely new to the group as well and unsure of themselves. Support groups are intended to be a space for honestly expressing oneself with empathic support being the only kind of acceptable participant feedback.

A COMMUNITY OF HEALING AT THRIVE WELLNESS 

Committed to creating compassionate, healing, and nurturing spaces, Thrive Wellness offers a variety of support groups . Additionally, we connect individuals with community wellness resources to foster further healing. If your mental, behavioral, or physical health is suffering, we welcome you to Thrive Wellness, where we will meet you where you are and align you with healing care, whatever that may mean for your unique needs. Reach out to learn more about our integrated health services

While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
More Posts

Start your healing journey today

NEXT STEPS

Are you ready to find hope? We can't wait to connect you with the care you need. To get started with us, please reach out using the link below.   

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →