Quotes from Members:“The Emotions Anonymous programchanged my life. I was overwhelmed byfeelings of anxiety, depression, and fearthat I did not know how to cope with. I
felt isolated and alone. Anything could
trigger these painful feelings; a memory,the time of day, and a new experience
like coming to my first EA meeting. Yetin Emotions Anonymous the people
were kind and not afraid of my feelings.
Listening and talking at meetings washelpful. I started seeing what my mindand emotions were doing. When I stoptrying to control what I have no control
over, my creative energy is free to movemy life forward in a positive direction. I
feel understood and not alone anymore.
Thanks to the Emotions Anonymous
program, I have a sense of peace.”- Gerry“EA’s promises are coming true for me
now. I now believe that learning how totrust and feel safe is at the foundation of
my recovery. I am active and close withfamily and friends. I have a meaningfulplace in the community where my love,strength, and wisdom are needed. I
know that I am incomplete without theirlove, strength, and wisdom. When I seeothers new to the recovery path, I cansee the hunger for real connection in
their eyes. I hope they will take a risk
and show themselves. Being open andconnected to my EA friends and God is
joyful and fulfilling.”- Charlie B.

If someone you are working with would
benefit from:•A forum with members who are able
to turn negative thoughts into positiveones.

•A way to share the significant events of
their lives.

•A chance to grow in their serenity andpeace of mind.

•A safe place to explore their own
spiritual connections.

•A place to grow and practice healthy
relationships.

•A better understanding and acceptanceof their past.

•A place to discover growing security
within oneself by practicing the tools of
this program with their peers, EA canhelp.

Information about
the Emotions
Anonymous 12 Step
Program for theHealthcare Provider

Could you provide space for an EA meetingor are you interested in starting a new
virtual meeting? We can provide
information, material, and support to help
you start a group. Contact us at
director@emotionsanonymous.org for
more information.
P.O. Box 4245
St. Paul, MN 55104-0245© 2016, 2019, 2021 Emotions Anonymous
International — Item #63
EA-approved literature. This pamphlet
may be reproduced for free distribution.

www.emotionsanonymous.org
651-647-9712

Thank you for your interest in learning
more about Emotions Anonymous
International. We are a non-facilitated,
peer-to-peer support fellowship with aninternational service center located in
St. Paul, Minnesota. Our program is
adapted from the Twelve Step Program ofAlcoholics Anonymous. EAI wasincorporated as a nonprofit organization in1971 and currently has groups operating
throughout the world.

support network visit the website atwww.emotionsanonymous.org to learn
more about EAI and to find EA meetings
and resources.

What we doOnline literature tells us peer support
groups provide a number of benefits,
including offering a judgement-free andstigma-free environment for individuals toshare their lived experiences of recovery.
At EA we refer to this as “sharing ourexperience, strength and hope withothers.”

EA fellowship members come together via
in-person and virtual meetings, as well as
online chats and one-on-one sponsorship
relationships, to share their lives,
challenges and hopes with each other. Our
purpose is to help anyone struggling with
their emotions to manage their daily lives
and move along a continuum fromsurviving to thriving.
Our goal is to provide a warm, caring,
confidential, supportive atmosphere whereindividuals can feel free to share theirconcerns and work toward emotional
sobriety. We do not give advice or counsel
and we do not provide any form ofprofessional services.
We neither endorse nor oppose the use ofany medication or therapy. Many members
find that EA is an excellent complement toprofessional support. Through regularattendance members grow in emotional
wellness, becoming more empowered tolive happier, more peaceful lives.
If you believe your patient or client may
benefit from a non-professional peer

Benefits of Peer Support Groups like EA
Do you work with clients who havedifficulty coping with the stresses of dailyliving and who have a desire to become
well emotionally? If so, EA may be helpful
in their recovery.

Group meetings (typically held weekly) andsponsorship opportunities can provide anemotionally safe zone for individuals topractice new skills and attitudes. EA’sTwelve Steps are based on the AA Steps.
Our literature and outreach materials,
including our standard meeting instructions
and the rotating role of “trusted servant”
as meeting guide, serve as our common
basis for working toward emotional health.
In addition, as members progress in theprogram, they are invited to share theirrecovery with newcomers to EA, thus
reinforcing their growth.
Meetings are confidential and we use firstnames only, protecting the anonymity offellowship members. Anonymity is a key
feature of the EA program and allows

individuals to feel comfortable sharing as
much or as little as they choose. There are
no dues or fees for participating in EA. We
are self-supporting through voluntary
contributions of our members andliterature sales. Individuals of all ethnicities,
races, identities, interests, abilities andwalks of life are welcome at our meetings.

What about religion?
All ‘anonymous’ programs are based in
spirituality, not religion, and EAI is nodifferent. The emphasis is on finding a“Higher Power” to turn to for strength,
whatever that may mean for eachindividual person. The only requirement formembership in Emotions Anonymous is a
desire to become well emotionally.
Emotions Anonymous International is notallied with any sect, denomination, politicalorganization or institution and does notengage in any controversy. Our primary
purpose is to support members inbecoming and staying emotionally well.
Common reasons for joining an EA group
include difficulties with: ∙ Excessive anger ∙Resentment ∙ Depression ∙ Relationships ∙Low self-esteem ∙ Fear ∙ Guilt ∙ Grief ∙Anxiety ∙ Obsessive/negative thinking ∙Panic ∙ Phobias ∙ Compulsive behaviors.
Many fellowship members do not sufferfrom these life-changing challenges orclinical symptoms, but simply are seeking a
way to bring more serenity to their daily
lives.