How to Choose an Agoraphobia Support Group

Support groups can be helpful in recovering from agoraphobia. Going to an agoraphobia 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 understand what you are going through. At support groups, agoraphobia sufferers can share their successes with one another and give each other encouragement.

Criteria for Choosing An Agoraphobia Support Group

There are basically two types of agoraphobia support groups:
1) Led by a mental health professional
2) Led by a peer who has experience with agoraphobia

A professionally-led group should offer professional training in cognitive and bahavioral 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 should offer insight from people's personal experiences in recovery from agoraphobia, self-help recovery methods, a supportive atmosphere of care and confidentiality, and information on agoraphobia, treatments, and medications.

Peer-led support groups should also promote the use of research-proven recovery methods (cognitive and behavioral) for agoraphobia 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.

Finally, peer led support groups should be free of charge. Pay for an agoraphobia support group only if it is led by a professional.

Article Source: http://www.agoraphobia.net

Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic with a master’s degree in psychology. His informational website on agoraphobia featuring a free newsletter can be found at: www.agoraphobia.ws

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