Support Groups

More information

Individuals with anxiety disorders often feel isolated and misunderstood. They may think that no one else can relate to their difficulties and symptoms. These thoughts and feelings can lead to increased avoidance, feelings of hopelessness, and even depression.

In reality, anxiety disorders are the most frequent mental health disorders in the U.S. Many individuals with anxiety disorders find acceptance, understanding, and renewed motivation and commitment by participating in a support group designed specifically for people with anxiety. A support group can be a valuable adjunct to psychotherapy or counseling. It also can be a valuable resource for people who are not currently receiving professional therapy.

The Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center is pleased to sponsor THREE support groups.

These groups have met every other week for many years. The groups are for adults 18 years or older. There is no charge for participation. All groups currently are being conducted virtually, via Zoom.

Anxiety and Panic Support Group

This is a therapist-facilitated support group for individuals experiencing any of a variety of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific fears and phobias. Participants are encouraged to discuss anxiety-related concerns, difficulties, personal goals, progress, and successes. The therapist offers support, information and education about anxiety disorders and suggestions for ways to address anxiety problems. The group atmosphere is informal, supportive, and nonjudgmental. Participants are encouraged to identify personally meaningful goals to work on between group sessions.

This support group is facilitated by staff psychologists. The group meets virtually every other Monday evening from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. We do not meet on major holidays . The current schedule is provided below. Individuals who are interested in joining this group are asked to first call our Associate Director, Dr. Gerald O’Brien at 610-667-6490, ext. 24 for a brief phone screening.

Schedule: Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 pm

July 27

August 10 and 24

No meeting September 7—Labor Day

September 21

October 5 and 19

November 2, 16, and 30

December 14 and 28

Continuing every 2 weeks thereafter, except for major holidays.

OCD GOALS Support Group

Our OCD Support Group has been sponsored by our center for more than 15 years. This group is designed specifically for individuals with OCD and OCD spectrum disorders, including compulsive hoarding. One of AATC’s staff psychologists facilitates each group. The meeting typically begins with group discussion of a question or topic suggested by the therapist. The focus then switches to discussions focusing on individualized goal planning, progress toward these goals, and troubleshooting when a member is experiencing difficulty progressing on goals. As in the Anxiety and Panic Support Group, the group atmosphere is informal, supportive, and nonjudgmental.

The OCD Support Group meets virtually every other Wednesday evening from 7:00-8:30 pm. We do not meet on major holidays. See below for the current schedule. Individuals who are interested in joining this group are asked to first call our Associate Director, Dr.

Gerald O’Brien at 610-667-6490, ext. 24 for a brief phone screening. At times, there may be a wait list for new members to GOALS group.

Schedule: Wednesdays, from 7:00 to8:30 pm.

August 5 and 19

September 2,16,and 30

October 14 and 28

November 11

No meeting on November 25—Thanksgiving Eve

December 9 and 23

Continuing every 2 weeks thereafter, except for major holidays.

OCD “FOCUS” Support Group for Family and Friends

The ongoing FOCUS support group is open to family members and friends of individuals who have OCD. It is facilitated by one or more non-professional long-term members of the group. Dr. O’Brien attends this group from time to time to offer education about OCD, how this disorder may affect other people, and suggestions for dealing with the OCD sufferer and one’s own feelings and reactions to this frequently challenging condition.

The Family & Friends Support Group currently is meeting virtually, via Zoom. Meetings are held on Wednesdays on which the OCD GOALS group does not meet. Family members and friends may attend this support group whether or not the OCD client comes to the OCD GOALS Support Group.

If you have questions or you are interested in joining the FOCUS Group, please contact our Assistant Director, Dr. Gerald O’Brien at 610-667-6490 (ext. 24).

Schedule: Wednesdays, from 7:00 to8:30 pm.

July 29

August 12 and 26

September 9 and 23

October 7 and 21

November 4 and 18

December 2, 16, and 30

Continuing every 2 weeks thereafter, except for major holidays.