The first part allows a sharing of feelings and ideas of general concern to everyone. Goal planning keeps the meetings focused on what everyone can do to help themselves, and socializing helps bring everyone closer, which is crucial, since members will need to depend upon the others for support in accomplishing goals. OCF's Duffy also conducted a support group workshop during which she listed the specific functions a group should have. First comes identification. They might attend six or eight times, then go for treatment.
Education is another crucial component of treatment.
You want to become an expert. Being accepted by people who aren't horrified by the most embarrassing confessions provides validation, after which resocialization can begin. Eventually most members will reach out to others, helping them begin the initially painful process of behavioral therapy and encouraging them when the going gets rough. It makes up for all that other emptiness you feel. According to Grayson, the main factors determining the success of any group are the structure of the group, understanding OCD, and having a professional on hand to keep sessions on track and to answer questions.