Harnessing the Healing Power of Community and Group Support
- Lisa Dube, MSW, LICSW
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Healing is often seen as a personal journey, but many people, particularly members of marginalized groups, find that the path to recovery becomes clearer and stronger when shared with others with a similar experience. The power of healing in community or group settings offers unique benefits that individual efforts alone cannot provide. This post explores how connecting with others can accelerate healing, provide emotional strength, and create lasting support networks. In a time of increasing polarization, community connection is the antidote. You are not alone.
Why Healing in Community Matters
Healing involves more than just physical recovery. It includes emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual restoration. When people come together in groups, they create a space where vulnerability is met with understanding. This shared experience can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma, which often accompany struggles such as grief, trauma, or chronic illness.
Groups provide a sense of belonging. Knowing others face similar challenges helps individuals feel less alone. This connection can boost motivation and hope, which are critical for healing. For example, autism support groups often report that members feel empowered by hearing stories of resilience from autistic peers.
Emotional Benefits of Group Healing
One of the strongest benefits of healing in community is emotional support. Group members listen, validate feelings, and offer empathy. This emotional exchange helps people process difficult experiences more effectively than they might on their own.
Validation: Hearing others express similar emotions confirms that feelings are normal and acceptable.
Empathy: Shared understanding creates a safe environment for expressing pain or fear.
Encouragement: Group members often inspire each other to keep moving forward.
Research shows that emotional support from groups can lower stress hormones and improve overall well-being. For example, studies on group therapy for depression reveal that participants often experience faster symptom relief compared to individual therapy alone.
Practical Ways Groups Facilitate Healing
Groups do more than provide emotional comfort. They also offer practical tools and resources that help members manage their conditions or challenges.
Groups at Merrimack River Wellness are facilitated virtually, from a neuro-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens. In addition, Lisa is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 3 trained therapist with additional training in using the IFS model in groups. If you don't know what IFS is, here is a link to learn more.
In 2026, Lisa will have a 20-week experiential IFS group for neurodivergent adults to explore healing through the IFS model. This group will be based upon the healing circles model developed by Chris Burris, Lead IFS Trainer and will use experiential exercises to explore healing.
Real-Life Examples:
Parent Group: Consider a parent group that meets virtually. Parents range in age and background but share the common experience of parenting a gender expansive and neurodivergent adult. The eight week group begins each session with a check-in, allowing members to explore parts/emotions that are showing up for them that week.
Over time, participants share coping strategies, the facilitator tracks and names participants emotions/parts and members connect with other parents navigating the same challenges. Members report feeling less isolated and more hopeful as they connect with others who understand their challenges. There are members currently attending who have been attending since 2021.
Adult Group for Individuals Exploring Autism Diagnoses: Whether formally diagnosed, self-determined or exploring autistic identity, these groups provides psychoeducation around such themes as masking, burnout and internalized ableism, as well as therapeutic support. Members often share how validating and liberating it is to connect with others with a shared experience.
How to Find a Group
If you want to experience the benefits of healing in community, here are some steps to find a group, many groups are free:
Search local resources: Hospitals, community centers, and nonprofits often host support groups.
Look online: Websites and social media platforms list virtual groups for various needs.
Ask professionals: Therapists or counselors can recommend groups suited to your situation.
Some local groups to consider:
PFLAG for parents of children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community
AANE (Association for Autism & Neurodiversity): supports autistic individuals and their families
Remember, the right group can make a significant difference in your healing journey.
The Lasting Impact of Group Healing
Healing in community does more than address immediate challenges. It builds resilience and social connections that last beyond the healing process. Members often form friendships that provide ongoing support through life’s ups and downs.
Moreover, participating in group healing can inspire people to give back by helping others. This cycle of support strengthens communities and promotes collective well-being.
Healing is a complex process that benefits greatly from connection. When people come together in groups, they create a powerful environment for emotional relief, practical help, and lasting support. Whether through support groups, therapy sessions, or shared activities, community healing offers hope and strength that no one has to face challenges alone.
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