Final answer:
A self-help group is often referred to as a 'mutual-help' or 'support group.' These groups are peer-led and focus on shared experiences and mutual aid, which distinguishes them from therapist-led group therapy sessions. Research affirms their value, particularly in addiction recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
A self-help group is a type of support group where individuals gather to discuss and share experiences related to a particular issue, often without the formal leadership of a professional therapist. Unlike group therapy sessions, which are typically facilitated by a therapist, self-help groups are often peer-led and are called mutual-help or support groups. These groups provide a platform for members to offer each other support, understanding, and advice. They are based on the concept of people with similar problems helping each other. According to research, including studies published by the American Psychological Association and findings by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these groups can be highly valuable in the therapeutic process, particularly in areas such as addiction treatment.
Anthropologist Summerson Carr's examination of an addiction treatment program highlights the importance of language and communication patterns within these settings. Members learn to express their journey and challenges through "healthy talk", a structured way of communicating that reflects cultural values around personhood and responsibility. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment further supports the use of group therapy and self-help groups within substance abuse treatment, outlining their benefits in the Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 41.
Additionally, literature such as the Harvard Review of Psychiatry by Weiss et al. (2004) notes the effectiveness of group therapy for substance abuse disorders, affirming the significance of groups in contributing to the recovery process. Whether aiming for substance abuse recovery or coping with other issues, self-help groups can make a substantial impact on an individual's road to wellness and self-improvement.