Chronic Illness & Disability Support Group

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Format: Open group (participants may join any time)

Duration: Weekly, 90-minute sessions over 12 weeks
Setting: In-person or virtual

Facilitator: Licensed mental health professional or trained peer leader

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🧭 Group Purpose

This support group offers a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals living with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities to share experiences, reduce isolation, and explore emotional and practical coping tools.

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🔑 Core Objectives

Participants will:

• Connect with others who understand life with chronic conditions

• Learn tools for coping with physical, emotional, and social stressors

• Explore identity, boundaries, and advocacy

• Build self-compassion and resilience

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🕒 Weekly Agenda (90 Minutes)

0:00–0:10

Welcome, check-in, and group agreements

0:10–0:20

Grounding or mindfulness activity

0:20–1:10

Weekly topic and guided discussion/sharing

1:10–1:20

Wrap-up, intention setting, announcements

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📘 12-Week Outline – Weekly Themes

(Each session stands alone and is accessible to new participants.)

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Week 1 – Welcome & Sharing Your Story

• Group introductions and norms

• “Where I’m at in my journey”

• Building trust and connection

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Week 2 – Grieving What’s Changed

• Chronic illness as a source of loss

• Recognizing invisible and layered grief

• Coping with the emotional impact of change

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Week 3 – Identity Beyond Diagnosis

• “Who am I, apart from my condition?”

• Navigating shifting roles and purpose

• Honoring strengths and adaptations

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Week 4 – Managing Daily Life with Illness

• Pacing, prioritizing, and the “Spoon Theory”

• Energy conservation tools

• Shared wisdom from lived experience

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Week 5 – Mental Health & Chronic Conditions

• Impact of chronic illness/disability on anxiety, depression, self-worth

• Coping tools for emotional regulation

• Mind-body connection and compassion

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Week 6 – Setting Boundaries & Saying No

• Advocating for your needs without guilt

• Scripts for saying no kindly and firmly

• Balancing support and autonomy

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Week 7 – Dealing with Ableism & Misunderstanding

• Naming and processing discrimination and invalidation

• How to respond to harmful comments

• Cultivating pride and self-acceptance

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Week 8 – Communication & Asking for Help

• How to talk to family, friends, or employers

• Overcoming shame and fear of burdening others

• Building a support team

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Week 9 – Navigating Healthcare Systems

• Preparing for appointments

• Communicating with doctors and specialists

• Managing medical trauma or frustration

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Week 10 – Balancing Work, Rest & Productivity

• Redefining success and letting go of “doing it all”

• Exploring disability accommodations and flexible goals

• Self-worth beyond work output

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Week 11 – Self-Compassion & Body Respect

• Letting go of blame or shame

• Practices to foster kindness toward your body and self

• Affirming progress, even when it looks different

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Week 12 – Reflection & Moving Forward

• Sharing key takeaways from the group

• Creating a personal resilience or self-care plan

• Building community beyond the group