Places available
Group for relatives of people with mental illness.
Those who support a person with a mental illness often carry great responsibility for years — and reach their own limits in the process. This group strengthens you with knowledge, relief and concrete tools.
The situation
You are not alone.
Relatives often take on a high level of emotional and practical support for years — frequently without sufficient knowledge, relief or a protected space to share. Starting with the figures is meant to make your own strain visible and de-pathologise it.
of the severely mentally ill are (co-)cared for by their family.
of relatives develop their own psychological or physical complaints due to the strain.
of partners of a depressed person develop depressive symptoms over time themselves.
Sources incl. Awad & Voruganti (2008). Figures as orientation, not a prediction for the individual case.
Who it is for
For parents, partners, children & siblings.
The group is for relatives of people with a mental illness — regardless of the diagnosis. Participants often recognise themselves in the following experiences:
- Chronic exhaustion, rumination and poor sleep — often up to their own depressive symptoms.
- The feeling of “having to function”, even beyond their own limits.
- Guilt, social isolation and feeling misunderstood by those around them.
- The wish for concrete knowledge, understanding and realistic expectations.
The eight modules
Knowledge, relief and agency.
A behaviourally grounded programme with elements from ACT, communication and existential psychology.
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Introduction
Setting, strain data and an overview of mental illness.
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Causes & risks
The bio-psycho-social model, genetic factors and trauma — clearly explained.
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Addiction
Substances, the reward system and the difference between “wanting” and “liking”.
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Treatment options
Medication, therapy approaches compared and sociotherapy.
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Experiential avoidance
The ACT formula and dealing with avoidance behaviour.
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Control & powerlessness
What is really in my power? Separating guilt from responsibility, meaning and attachment.
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Communication training
Primary and secondary feelings, “I” messages and reducing conflict.
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Support & boundaries
Real help, setting boundaries, early warning signs and a personal crisis plan.
Goals of the group
Protecting your own health.
“The group is for relatives of people with a mental illness, with the aim of reducing their own strain and strengthening their capacity to act and relate in dealing with the illness.”
Knowledge & understanding
Understand the origin, course and treatment of mental illness and make sense of your own reactions.
Communication & boundaries
Consolidate communication skills and tell realistic support apart from self-sacrifice.
Prepare for crises
Recognise early warning signs and develop options for the crisis case.
Led by
Psychological psychotherapist in our team. The concept combines behavioural therapy with acceptance and commitment therapy, communication and existential psychology. The group is led by at least one psychotherapist and a psychological assistant.
FAQ
Good to know.
Does my relative have to be in treatment?
No. The group is for you as a relative — regardless of whether or where your relative is currently in treatment. The focus is on your own relief and health.
Which illnesses is the group suitable for?
The content is broad and not limited to one diagnosis. It covers affective disorders, anxiety, addiction, psychosis and personality disorders — with a focus on how you deal with it.
What is the setting?
Eight modules of 50 minutes in a group of at most nine people, led by a psychotherapist and psychological assistant. A binding duty of confidentiality applies, in an appreciative, everyday-language frame.
Is this a self-help group?
No. It is a professionally led, concept-based group with clear goals and content — not unguided exchange, but structured therapeutic work.
Time for your own health.
That you are informing yourself is already a first step. Arrange a no-obligation pre-session.
Request a pre-session