Translation guide
A group of people who meet to provide mutual support for a shared difficulty or condition.
A group where people with a common problem or experience meet to help each other.
The most direct and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used for various types of support groups.
She participates in a support group for cancer patients.
Literally 'self-help group'. Often used for addiction recovery or mental health peer support.
I was saved by talking with people who have the same worries at a self-help group.
Emphasizes peer support, often used in mental health or disability contexts.
In a peer support group, people with lived experience support each other.
A professionally facilitated group for therapy or counseling.
Group counseling, often led by a therapist. More formal than a peer-led support group.
I'm receiving group counseling at the hospital.
Group therapy, a clinical term. Used in medical or psychiatric settings.
A support group conducted via the internet.
Online support group. Common for remote participation.
Online support groups increased during the pandemic.
In Japanese, it's common to specify the issue before the term, e.g., がん患者のサポートグループ (support group for cancer patients), 依存症の自助グループ (addiction self-help group).
Group therapy helps develop social skills.