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christian counseling today
Vol. 20 no. 4
announces a working definition of recovery,
2012) defines recovery as “a process of
change through which individuals improve
their health and wellness, live a self-directed
life, and strive to reach their full potential.”
Further, the terms “recovery,” “self-help”
or “mutual support groups” are often used
interchangeably, but are frequently defined as
“a group of members who share a common
health problem or concern and who offer one
another… support, guidance, understanding,
and practical advice…” (Humphreys, 2004,
p. 2; Klaw & Humphrey, 2004).
Recovery vs. Psychotherapy Groups
Recovery groups can be facilitated by either
trained professionals or “sober” peer group
members who share the similar problem of
the group. This contributes to the confusion
of clearly defining and classifying recovery
groups. Previous studies have stated that
around 50-60% of recovery groups are profes-
sionally led (Lieberman & Snowden, 1993;
Yalom & Leszcz, 2005).
Though it is difficult to define and
classify recovery groups from self-help or
mutual support groups, it is less difficult to
differentiate between recovery groups and
psychotherapy groups in terms of focus,
methods and leadership. Self-help and
recovery groups often focus on the problem
or issue that the group shares in common.
Because of this focus, advice giving and the
sharing of personal experience are often
found in these groups. In psychotherapy
groups, the focus is less on the “content” of
group and more on the “process” occurring
between, and among, group members. This is
It is estimated
that 2.1 million
Americans have
used self-help,
or recovery
groups, as
a means to
improve their
lives.
2.1
