To Register for The Center for Growth Support Groups

If you get a voicemail, please state which group you are wishing to register for, your phone number and the best time to reach you. To identify the name and cell phone number of each group facilitator, simply click on the link below and you will see their name and number.

To register for a workshop, support group or therapy group call the main group registration number. If you get a voicemail, please state which group you are wishing to register for, your phone number and the best time to reach you. To identify the name and cell phone number of each group facilitator, simply click on the link below and you will see their name and number. If you have more questions, call Richard (Rick) Snyderman, LPC, CADC, CSAT, NCC, Director of Group Therapy

Join TCFG's Newsletter

get the latest self help articles

Support Groups vs. Therapy Groups

Understanding the Difference at The Center for Growth

At The Center for Growth, we offer both support groups and therapy groups in Philadelphia, PA, Ocean City, NJ, and Providence RI. While both types of groups help people connect, learn, and heal, they serve different purposes and reach different levels of emotional depth.

Whether you’re adjusting to a life transition or working through long-standing emotional pain, understanding the difference can help you choose the group that best meets your needs.

What Is a Support Group?

A support group is a gathering of people who share a similar life experience or challenge. These groups focus on mutual support, education, and connection rather than deep therapeutic exploration.

At The Center for Growth, all support groups are led by licensed therapists who skillfully facilitate open discussion, help members learn from one another, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment.

Examples of Support Groups We Offer:

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • ADHD

  • Life transitions (e.g., retirement, divorce, caregiving)

  • Grief and loss

  • Chronic illness or pain management

  • Relationship and identity challenges

Support groups are often considered educational in nature—they help you better understand what you’re going through, share experiences, and gain practical tips from others walking a similar path.

Typical structure:

  • Size: 6–12 participants

  • Duration: 1–2 hours per session

  • Focus: Learning, coping, and connection

What Is a Therapy Group?

A therapy group (sometimes called a process group or therapeutic group) is a more clinically focused experience led by a licensed therapist. Here, the goal is to explore underlying emotional and relational patterns, not just surface-level coping.

Therapy groups offer a unique opportunity to experience healing through interpersonal feedback, emotional insight, and guided self-reflection.

Common Focus Areas:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Grief and trauma recovery

  • Codependency and boundary work

  • Sexual compulsivity or relationship concerns

  • Personality and identity development

Therapy groups are ideal for those who are ready to go deeper—examining how past experiences, emotions, and relationship patterns show up in the present moment.

Typical structure:

  • Size: 6–10 participants

  • Duration: 1.5–2 hours per session

  • Focus: Emotional processing, relational growth, and insight

Which Is Right for You?

Support GroupTherapy Group
Primary FocusEducation, coping, and peer supportEmotional exploration and behavioral change
Led ByLicensed therapist (facilitator role)Licensed therapist (clinical role)
Group ToneEncouraging, informativeReflective, insight-oriented
Depth of WorkSurface-level coping and connectionDeeper psychological and relational exploration
Ideal ForPeople seeking community and understandingPeople seeking therapeutic change and personal growth

Many participants choose to combine individual therapy and group work, finding that the two complement each other beautifully. Support groups offer community and normalization, while therapy groups foster deeper personal transformation.

Benefits of Joining a Group

  • Give and receive emotional support

  • Learn practical tools and coping skills

  • Reduce feelings of isolation

  • Hear new perspectives from peers

  • Practice new behaviors in a safe setting

  • Experience therapy at a lower cost than individual sessions

Find a Group Near You

We offer both support groups and therapy groups at some of our locations:

  • Philadelphia, PA

  • Ocean City, NJ

  • Providence, RI

Each group is led by an experienced clinician who specializes in helping people connect, grow, and heal—together.

REGISTER TODAY

📞 215-922-LOVE (5683) x 111


To Register for The Center for Growth Support Groups

If you get a voicemail, please state which group you are wishing to register for, your phone number and the best time to reach you. To identify the name and cell phone number of each group facilitator, simply click on the link below and you will see their name and number.