Therapy Groups Vs. Support Groups

Fertility Support offers therapy groups, which are distinct from support groups. Both therapy and support groups offer individuals an opportunity to get together and work toward improving their mental health. However there are key differences between our therapy groups and traditional support groups.   

Our Therapy Groups

  • Facilitated by 1 or 2 registered psychotherapists

  • Between 4 and 10 participants

  • Meetings are weekly and last between 1 and 2 hours

  • Regular attendance is expected

  • Some level of participant sharing is expected

  • Discussions follow an agenda but are responsive to participants’ needs

  • Participants’ and facilitator’s feedback provide a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the self and of the issues being discussed 

  • Participants can learn to connect with others and to deal with problems in different ways

Support Groups

  • No requirement for a facilitator or one with psychotherapy training

  • Medium to large size, generally more than 10 participants

  • Can meet regularly or on an ad-hoc manner

  • Attendance is optional

  • Participation is optional

  • Discussion is less structured than in therapeutic groups, often focused on supporting members with their current struggles

  • Gives individuals experiencing the same problem a support network so that they feel less alone

  • Can provide practical problem-solving advice that might help participants manage their situation more effectively