Build Your Support Community: Mental Health Outside of Therapy
Therapy is an excellent first-line response to mental health concerns; however, it’s not the only resource out there. Group therapy, peer groups, coaching, community resources, and many other activities and resources are excellent complements to therapy that can help you build a fulfilled, supported life. Read on to learn more and get some ideas of how you can build your supportive community that compliments your therapy journey.
Community Support: Connecting with and being supported by others might just be the most powerful antidote to mental health concerns. Community support can come in the form of group therapy, which is led by a licensed mental health professional and helps people who are working on similar goals (such as depression or substance use) get better together. On the other hand, support groups don’t have to be led by a professional and offer peer-to-peer support on common topics like coping with grief, motherhood, and anxiety. If it aligns with your life and values, a faith-based community can provide community support, and so can online communities where you can connect with others who have lived similar experiences.
Somatic Support: Somatic (meaning “body”) based support focuses on helping you heal trauma, stress, and pain stored in the body. This can come in many forms, such as yoga, dance classes, meditation groups, massage therapy, acupuncture, or somatic therapy. We recommend you see what’s accessible in your local area, try a class, and see what works for you.
Nature Support: Time spent in nature is a powerful healer. Scheduling in nature walks, joining a walk/run group, volunteering with animals or in nature-related programs, and trying walk and talk therapy can all connect you with nature and others.
Professional: You might consider building out your support team with additional providers other than your therapist. If your therapist recommends it, a psychiatrist can support you with psychiatric medication. Especially for those facing economic or occupational challenges, a social worker or case manager can help provide support and guide you towards your goals. Alternative therapies like art therapy and equine therapy can bring healing into a new context and develop self-expression. You may also consider life coaching, which cannot address mental health concerns but can help coach you towards your life, career, and personal goals.
Most importantly, consistent support starts with learning how to meet yourself with compassion, curiosity, and care. That’s where individual therapy can help build a felt sense of safety and self-compassion. Are you looking to change your life, start your therapy journey, and build a support team? Your path to healing might start here at AWC - give us a call or send a message today to be matched with an experienced therapist who meets your needs.
References
Kay. [@counselorkayla]. (August 8, 2025). Healing doesn’t only happen in therapy. It happens in the body. In community. In creativity. In spaces that feel regulating [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMSNc7n7/
