5. What Self Help Groups are NOT able to do

Self help groups are not suitable for people in acute crises. Positive effects of group work do not take effect in the short term of just a few days. Rather, it takes time for active work in a self help group to result in noticeable  positive changes in one’s self. A person in an acute crisis does not have this time. Moreover, dramatic crisis symptoms of individuals could overtax the group.

Self help groups are no substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment; however, they can serve as a good supplement or support of such treatment.

It is important for the members to work in the group process actively and continually. The social exchange of give and take should stand in a healthy balance. Self help groups cannot function where people are not willing to do this.