We offer a free, low-threshold service for anyone who is struggling. You don't need a diagnosis or to meet any specific requirements to join our support groups. Below is a video from Selvhjelp Norge where group participants share their experiences (currently only available in Norwegian).

What makes our service unique?

• The groups often consist of people with mixed diagnoses, life challenges, genders, and ages. We make sure everyone meets others they can relate to. In our experience, diversity is a great strength in the groups. People learn a lot from each other's differences while also discovering how much they have in common in terms of thoughts and feelings.
• Occasionally, we offer groups where all participants have something in common, such as having the same role or being in the same situation. Examples include relatives of people with dementia, or parents of children who are struggling in different ways.
• Groups are formed continuously as people contact us. This means the waiting time is short – usually between 2 and 6 weeks from our first informal chat. 

• A trained facilitator helps start each group. Our facilitators have signed a confidentiality agreement and received thorough training in the methods and tools that keep conversations constructive and supportive. Your group's facilitator attends the first meeting to help develop the necessary levels of trust and safety.

• After the initial meeting, the group meets on its own 3–5 times before the facilitator returns to ensure everyone is doing well, feels safe, and that the conversations are helpful. The groups receive regular follow-up visits to support the process, but they primarily work independently. When needed, the facilitator can be contacted at any time.

• Other group counselling services have a professional who leads every meeting. Our experience shows that participants in self-led groups take more responsibility for their own situation and their process for moving forward. They also feel freer to share experiences when there isn't a professional present to assess, analyse, or advice.

• There is no time limit on participation. The group will keep meeting as long as they feel they need to.
• Self-directed support groups, using our approach, help people to help themselves and each other, with minimal cost, free of charge to the participants, and without using a large amount of administrative resources.

Do you think a support group might be right for you? Get in touch for an informal chat.

Do you have questions? We've answered some frequently asked questions here. You can contact us directly for more information.