Abstract
This study examines online and face-to-face support groups to determine which factors best predict participant's satisfaction with the group experience. The paper examines how differences between face-to-face and online groups may be accounted for by differences in severity of disorders among clients. The writer proposes that this research is important, as online support groups expand their role in the provision of eating disorder support. The paper concludes that, in order to ensure that individuals with eating disorders have access to the best treatment available, it is advantageous to the mental health profession to determine who can benefit most from low-cost treatment resources.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement Of The Problem
Definition Of Terms
Literature Review
Dsm-Iv Diagnostic Criteria For Anorexia Nervosa
Dsm_Iv Diagnostic Criteria For Bulimia Nervosa
Dsm-Iv Research Criteria For Binge Eating Disorder
Bodywhy's Eating Disorder Support Group Services: An Overview
Factors Contributing To The Effectiveness Of Eating Disorder Groups: Review Of Current Research
Methodology
Design
Sample
Results
Data Analysis
Chapter 5
Discussion
Summary Of Findings And Implications For Future Research
Group Participant Variables
Group Variables
Limitations Of Study
Implications Of Research
Conclusion
Appendices
Informed Consent Letters For Group Participants
Appendix B
Demographic Information, Group Participation History And Eating Disorder History.
Client Satisfaction Inventory
Eating Attitudes Test
Catharsis Scale
References

From the Paper
"Bodywhys, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland's face to face and online support groups, which are facilitated by trained volunteers, aims to provide eating disorder suffers and their families with an economically and geographically accessible environment for discussing feelings and common concerns, the expression of which Meehan, Wikes, and Howard (1995) identified as one of the foundations of recovery from eating disorders. Despite the longevity of this and other eating disorder support group programs, however, systematic research with such groups has been scant."

Tags:intervention, recovery, psychopathology, pathology, psychiatrist, therapist, anorexia, bulimia

Abstract
This paper presents a case study of two families who are linked by their children's medical needs. The writer explores the family dynamics, their children and the link between them. The paper relates that support groups are beneficial for the adults, the non-affected children and the affected child. The author concludes that, although the two families have almost nothing in common other than their shared support group, this attendance has proven to reduce family stress and to allow the families to have quality family time together.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Family 1
Family Two
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The importance of a support group for families with psychologically affected children was the focus of this case study. It used two families that had little in common other than the fact that they each had a child who is impacted by a psychological issue. The families were chosen specifically because of their differences. One family has a father with an advanced education who travels the nation on business for a powerful computer company while the other family has a father who completed high school, and went into the plumbing field. The first family has a wife who is a registered nurse and works in a children's practice while the second family has a wife who chooses to stay home full time."

Tags:autism, attention deficit disorder, non affected, parents, safe haven

Abstract
The paper explains the goings-on in the meetings of two support groups - Alcoholics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous. The author of the paper attended both meetings and provides a discussion on the procedures of each one. He also compares the similarities and differences between the groups and discusses the people who attend these meetings.

From the Paper
"Again, personal vignette is the focal point of the meeting. Several people share their stories of compulsive overeating and in some cases members share with the group that they are bulimic. I suddenly become hyper-conscious that there are no cookies served here as there were in the AA meeting. My stomach growls and I hope nobody heard; eating is no longer a simple task to do without thinking. These people have turned to food as a way of coping with life's problems; it is their drug of choice. As with the AA members, compulsive overeaters find immense solace in listening to the stories of others and sharing their own. In finding that they are not alone, the members can unburden themselves, release their shame. I come to the conclusion that these self-help groups, fueled by the caring and concern of perfect strangers, are probably more helpful than psychotherapy."

Tags:sober, Bill, W., The, Big, Book, Serenity, Prayer, compulsive, overeater

Abstract
Examines whether support group treatment for children sexually abused by family members is the appropriate treatment of incest. Discusses characteristics of support groups & the group process. Outcomes. Symptoms and needs of the incest survivor. Types of support group treatment. Refers to many studies on the topic. Conclusions.

From the Paper
"Sexual abuse of children by family members continues to come to the attention of mental health professionals as does the exploration for the most appropriate treatment of incest. This paper investigates the question as to whether support groups may offer the most effective modality for treatment of incest victims. An introduction to the problem, characteristics of support group treatment of incest victims, the group process, outcomes of support group treatment of incest victims, and conclusions will be included in this presentation."

Abstract
This paper shall assess the impact that support groups and the perception of HIV and AIDS has on those that are afflicted with the disease. There is a focus on women and women's issues in respect to HIV and AIDS. Format is a literature review.

Abstract
The paper examines the idea of support groups for daughters mourning the loss of mothers and discusses how group therapy focusing on daughters who lost their mothers can be of great help during the grieving process. The paper explains that daughters and mothers share a very particular and unique bond and women in such a group can lend support and comfort when family and friends have left to go on with their lives. The paper discusses the dynamics of such a group and stresses the benefits of support from those who have been in the same situation themselves.

Contents:
Introduction
Theoretical Orientation
Group Composition
Group Structure
Role of the Leader
Rules and Norms
Evaluation Process

From the Paper
"In a hospice situation the focus in terms of death and bereavement is usually upon the dying patient and the immediate family. When the patient has died, grief normally becomes lost in elements such as funeral arrangements and accommodating family members who traveled for the sake of the funeral. When all the administration and arrangements have been finished, those closest to the demised person often suffer delayed feelings of grief. This often occurs alone, as the public display of the death is now over. The reality of the death, while still present, now takes a second position to the activities of the living going on with their lives."

Tags:comfort, grief, mourning

Abstract
This paper identifies the requirements necessary within starting a psychotherapy group for parents of children and adolescents who have come out to their parents as differently-sexualized (e.g.: homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered). The stages of group work are described, as well as several potential problems that can occur during the group work process.

From the Paper
"Parents frequently experience difficulty in acclimating themselves to the preferences of their children and adolescents. Often, the drive for an offspring to differentiate himself or herself from their parents can result in a shift in behavioral preferences that non-traditional for the parent or parents. Parents and their children tend to find a common ground for such issues that helps them resolve potential problems. However, sexual identity for differently-sexualized (e.g.: homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered) children and adolescents is typically more difficult for the parent to accept than are preferences towards popular culture, dating habits, or even substance abuse. Sexual identity is not a phase and the offspring will not simply outgrow it in time; parents who discover that their children are differently-sexualized not only have to change their perceptions of..."

Tags:group, psychotherapy, homosexuality

Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the format and perceived effectiveness of a self-help group using Irvin Yalom's eleven curative factors of group therapy model. The analysis of the group is based on this model and the incorporation of knowledge gathered from literature on breast cancer education and the integration of education into the support group by the moderator, guest speaker, and group participants. The writer concludes that it will be intriguing to see if this was a building session that will contribute to the discussion next session, therefore broadening the scope of the discussion through information and education. As it stands, the writer maintains that the analysis of the group based on this one session indicates a failure to achieve its stated goals.

Outline:
Introduction
Yalom's Eleven Curative Factors of Group Therapy
Assessment of the Breast Cancer Support Group
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The current group did not successfully integrate any or all of the curative factors necessary for facilitating appropriate therapeutic process. The tone of the session did not evoke community or unity towards mutual therapy, but instead resembled a conventional question-and-answer session in a classroom setting. The moderator had asked a speaker from the local county's mental health service department to address the group on depression and illness. The effectiveness of this session shall be assessed through reviewing the meeting using Yalom's eleven curative factors."

Tags:information, positive, techniques, participants

Abstract
The paper relates that the group will provide support to survivors of breast cancer and their spouses and thus ensure that all group members are provided with knowledge to enhance life, emotional support and guidance. The paper notes that through the functioning of the group, the members hope to accomplish providing members with a sense of belonging, the ability to cope with cancer and the after effects of cancer and a new focus for their lives in the future.

From the Paper
"The group will seek to provide support to survivors of breast cancer and their spouses. Through ongoing support the group will be capable of ensuring that all group members are provided with knowledge to enhance life, emotional support and guidance. Through the functioning of the group the members hope to accomplish providing members with a sense of belonging, the ability to cope with cancer and the after effects of cancer and a new focus for their lives in the future. Participation Benefits: Members will be capable of gaining an understanding of themselves as..."

Tags:health, care, cancer

Abstract
This paper analyses the format and perceived effectiveness of a self-help group using Irvin Yalom's (1975) Eleven Curative Factors of Group Therapy model. The paper examines the incorporation of knowledge gathered from literature on breast cancer education and the integration of education into the support group by the moderator, guest speaker, and group participants.

From the Paper
"This paper analyses the format and perceived effectiveness of a self-help group using Irvin Yalom's (1975) Eleven Curative Factors of Group Therapy model. The analysis of the group will be based on this model and the incorporation of knowledge gathered from literature on breast cancer education and the integration of education into the support group by the moderator, guest speaker, and group participants."

Tags:group, therapy, counseling