[alli_kathrine]

My therapist has suggested that I consider joining a support group for adult survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. He believes that it would help to connect with other people who went through similar things. Especially in the area of blaming myself for the abuse. Is anyone else in or was in a support group, and if so did it help or make it worse?

[Purple dog]

Originally Posted by alli_kathrine

My therapist has suggested that I consider joining a support group for adult survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. He believes that it would help to connect with other people who went through similar things. Especially in the area of blaming myself for the abuse. Is anyone else in or was in a support group, and if so did it help or make it worse?

I've been in one, only online though. I think it helps sometimes, especially with not feeling so alone, but it can get overwhelming too. Don't know if that really helps with your question, maybe try one out, and see if you like it?

[Skeezyks]

Hello alli_kathrine: I never have thought I would be willing to participate in a support group. I'm not a person to share my inner feelings in real life. And I'm not in a support group now. However, years ago, I attended a partial hospital program. And one of the things we did was to have a group therapy session each day. I actually found myself enjoying it... & I felt like I benefitted from the experience.

[starryprince]

I actually began attending SIA (Survivors of Incest Anonymous) groups in June at my local LGBT center. I go every Saturday and it is extremely therapeutic. It's been so validating for me because now I know I'm not alone and that people feel the same things I feel. If you want to go to a support group, I highly recommend it. It may be really helpful for you. Good luck!

[Luce]

I have been in one as a child and one as an adult. The first one was horrible. I simply wasn't in a frame of mind where that was appropriate. It seemed to be traumatic for all the kids.
The second one was 'okay'. It was run by my T, and we became long term friends with two other participants. I think that was actually why my T pushed hard for us to go to it... to connect with other people for support. I found the group process itself a little overwhelming but the connections we made with other people were invaluable.