Current Support Groups
Deerfield & North Chicagoland, IL
Have you been thinking about joining a support group but aren’t sure if it’s for you? The idea of sharing your feelings with strangers might feel intimidating. But finding understanding and reassurance from people who’ve been through similar experiences can bring real comfort and healing. Explore our support groups in Deerfield and the Chicago area.
Support groups—also known as group therapy—are typically led by one or two specialized therapists. These professionals guide each session, encouraging members to share their concerns and, over time, helping participants improve their self-awareness and relieve their symptoms.
If you’ve been thinking about joining a support group, we’re here to help ease your concerns—and rest assured, we’ll be by your side every step of the way!
Our Support Groups in Deerfield & the Chicago Area, IL
Open Now
Support Group for Women Stepping Out of Toxic Relationships
Led by Skyler Kociuba and Leslie Cornejo
Do you feel disconnected and emotionally stuck in a relationship that’s hurting you? Leaving a toxic relationship is never easy… Whether you’ve already left—or are considering leaving— this group offers a safe, supportive space to catch your breath, feel heard, and begin healing alongside other women who truly get it!
When: Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 PM, January 13th – March 17th, 2026.
How it helps you: Understand the dynamics of toxic relationships, explore harmful patterns, and develop essential skills to regain confidence in yourself, your life, and your boundaries.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
In short, some key group therapy benefits include:
Hearing new perspectives.
Receiving encouragement to build self-confidence.
Fostering self-discovery and personal growth.
Sharing in a safe, confidential space.
Connecting through shared experiences.
Engaging in a diverse environment with different personalities and viewpoints.
Developing new skills and receiving valuable feedback.
Group Therapy Benefits—How It Can Help You
While the thought of joining a support group may feel intimidating at first, most people find the experience surprisingly rewarding. Indeed, these groups often become a valuable source of support, where others share practical ideas for tackling challenges and help you stay committed to positive changes.
Talking through your struggles and listening to others’ experiences can also put your own problems into perspective. Mental health challenges can feel incredibly isolating—like you’re all alone. But within these groups, you discover that you’re not. Many others are facing similar struggles and truly understand your feelings, because they’ve felt the same way.
Join a Support Group in Deerfield & the Chicago Area, IL
Interested in joining one of our open or upcoming support groups? Talk to us to learn more, and we’ll follow up with the next steps. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between support groups and individual therapy? How do I know which one I need?
There are some key differences between support groups and individual therapy, including:
- Support groups reduce stigma and foster a sense of understanding and belonging.
- Group therapy is more cost-effective than individual therapy.
- Scheduling tends to be less flexible in support groups than with individual sessions.
Individual therapy may be better suited for challenges that require a strong, one-on-one therapeutic relationship (e.g., psychotic disorders, specific phobias). Meanwhile, group therapy is highly effective for conditions involving social interaction difficulties (e.g., interpersonal challenges, obesity, social phobias).
That being said, these approaches are not mutually exclusive, and many people benefit from combining both.
How effective are support groups?
Research consistently shows that group therapy is just as effective as individual therapy, particularly for conditions such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, chronic pain, and more.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what matters most to you. Support groups focus on shared experiences and provide a space where you feel validated and understood. If you value hearing different perspectives, group therapy may be the right fit.
That said, as mentioned earlier, you don’t have to choose just one—many people benefit from combining individual therapy and support groups, since each serves a unique purpose.
What is the duration of sessions, and how long do support groups take?
The short answer: both the length of each session and the overall therapeutic process can vary. Some support groups meet for 45 minutes, while others run up to 90 minutes. Sessions may be held weekly or even more frequently.
We’ll always provide clear information about session length and the overall duration of the group so you can decide if it fits your schedule.
What if I don’t “click” with the group?
Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and feelings with the therapist(s) leading the group. You may need some time before feeling comfortable opening up and showing vulnerability—and that’s okay! Our therapists are here to listen to your concerns and address them accordingly.
Do I have to share every session?
Not at all. You can share whenever—and as much—as you feel comfortable. Support groups are not a race; you’re encouraged to go at your own pace, and our therapists understand that everyone is different.