Support Group Observation

In attempt to develop range in my observation of support groups, I once again found myself returning to an old stomping ground. Throughout my years in high school, I dedicated several hours a week to my local church in a growth group for high school girls. Although I currently experience mixed emotions with religion, I recalled how influential it was during my teenaged years to have such support, convincing me to return to observe a group to identify ways in why it was so helpful for me during difficult moments in my life. Luckily, my previous growth group leader was still leading groups and graciously accepted my request to be a guest that following week. Meeting once a week, the purpose of these groups was to discuss the Bible and life issues, but based on personal experience, these groups offered much more than a few life lectures. The group I observed was comprised of girls from several different high schools, with different interests, and even varied in beliefs, but they did have one thing in common – they were all freshmen in high school trying to navigate life. This characteristic brought to the surface one of the central therapeutic …show more content…
Finding myself in the same room I came to years ago caused me to experience again how difficult being a high school freshman was at the time. Before entering the group, I assumed the session would be light-hearted and playful, forgetting my own personal experiences. After spending a short while with the group, there was a shift within me where I began to experience more empathy and understanding of the power within the group. I also felt a shift when the members began to share about their lives, causing me to feel honored to listen to their stories. Although I was once a high school student, experiencing this group gave me a greater perspective on high school students, reminding myself of the difficulties we all experience, regardless of our