This post is for people with OCD, and for family members, who wonder what happens inside a support group and whether one is worth trying. You will get a picture of how peer groups work, what they can and cannot do, questions to ask before you join, and details on Eden Valley's group, The Second Guess Society.
Why people look for an OCD group
OCD can feel private and strange. Many people hide their rituals and their thoughts for years. The National Institute of Mental Health describes OCD as a disorder with recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions), repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. Hearing another person describe the same experience can ease isolation.
The International OCD Foundation says a good group creates community, with people who know how you feel and who see you as a person, not a diagnosis. A peer group can make you feel less alone.
Support groups and treatment groups are different
Before you join, find out which kind you are looking at.
- Support groups offer connection, shared tips and encouragement. The IOCDF notes they are not a substitute for individual therapy. They can sit beside therapy or help someone take a first step toward it.
- Treatment groups are run by licensed mental health professionals and deliver evidence-based OCD treatment in a group format. The IOCDF says these can stand in for individual therapy.
Both have a place. Neither is better in every case. If you have not yet had treatment, learn about exposure and response prevention (ERP), a treatment approach for OCD, in our guide to ERP.
What usually happens in a session
Every group has its own style. Many follow a pattern like this:
- Welcome and ground rules. Confidentiality comes first. What is said in the group stays there.
- Check-in. Each person shares a few words about their week, at their own comfort level.
- Topic. The group talks about a theme, such as telling family about OCD, work stress or setbacks.
- Open discussion. People share what has helped and what has not.
- Close. A brief wrap-up, and sometimes a small step to try before next time.
You can listen the first time. Most groups welcome people who prefer to watch before they speak.
What support groups can do
- Reduce shame by showing you that others share your experience.
- Give you practical ideas from people who live with OCD.
- Offer humor and honesty in a place where you do not need to explain yourself.
- Give you accountability and encouragement while you work on treatment.
The research on peer support is strongest outside OCD. A 2011 meta-analysis of randomized trials found that peer support reduced depressive symptoms compared with usual care. Evidence specific to OCD groups is thinner, so treat groups as one tool, not a cure.
Who groups tend to suit
Groups can suit people newly diagnosed, people in treatment who want company and people who finished treatment and want a steady check-in. They can also suit family members, in groups made for them. If talking in a group feels like too much right now, individual care may be a better first step. You can read about individual therapy at Eden Valley.
What they cannot do
- They cannot replace a diagnosis from a qualified clinician.
- They are not a place for medical advice. Questions about medication belong with your prescriber.
- They are not crisis care. If you are in danger, call or text 988.
Tips for your first group
- Set a small goal. Aim to listen, or to share one sentence.
- Keep it about you. Talk about your own experience instead of advising others.
- Expect mixed feelings. Relief and discomfort can show up in the same hour. Both are normal.
- Give it a few sessions. Groups often feel easier once you know the faces and the routine.
- Tell your therapist. If you see one, share what you learn so your care stays connected.
Questions to ask before you join
- Who leads the group, and what training do they have?
- Is this a support group or a treatment group?
- How many people attend, and is the membership steady or drop-in?
- What are the confidentiality rules?
- What does it cost, and is it in person or online?
The Second Guess Society at Eden Valley
Eden Valley runs a group for adults dealing with OCD and related concerns, led by Dr. Savannah Lord. It is called The Second Guess Society, and its tagline promises support, humor and honest conversation with people who get it. Here are the details from the groups page:
- Format: structured and predictable, with weekly topics that members can choose and nominate.
- Who: adults 18 and older. It is a closed group of 8 sessions, and new members join about once every four months. It supports individual treatment and does not replace it.
- Size: 8 to 12 participants.
- Where: Maine and Vermont, with both in-person and virtual groups.
- Cost: $40 per session, private pay. Insurance is not accepted for this group.
- Topics: OCD, obsessions, compulsions, phobias, irrational fears and exposure therapy.
Because members nominate topics, the conversation follows what the group needs. If you want to read first, the guide to intrusive thoughts explains why unwanted thoughts are common and when they point to OCD. To ask about fit, use the contact page.
This post is general information, not medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Is an OCD support group worth it?
For many people, yes. Peer groups can lower shame and isolation and offer practical ideas. They work best alongside treatment, not in place of it.
Can a support group replace OCD therapy?
Peer support groups are not meant to replace individual therapy. Treatment groups led by licensed clinicians can, according to the IOCDF.
Do I have to talk in my first session?
No. Most groups let new members listen first. Share when you are ready.
How much does an OCD group cost?
It varies. Some peer groups are free. The Second Guess Society is $40 per session, private pay.
