Has anyone tried Emotions Anonymous? How was it?

[Beekept]

I've been looking for support groups in my area and it's one of the only ones available here that is focused on my area of interest and growth needs. I'd really like to start working on my social anxiety in a group setting to practice and get feedback, but I'm a little intimidated by the AA format.

[Stippler]

For me, EA meetings were some of the best meetings I have ever been to. Due to where I live, there are no more EA meetings available to me but I would still attend if they were here. Best of luck to you.

[Beekept in reply to Stippler]

That's very reassuring! If you don't mind my asking, did it rely a lot on Christian ideology to support the content? Do you need to be active in your faith to attend? I don't know how it works.

[Stippler in reply to Beekept]

Sorry for not getting back to you earlier, I just now saw your reply. EA is 12 step, neither endorsing nor being endorsed by any religion. The 12 steps are borrowed from AA, and is a very helpful program for many people.

[Beekept in reply to Stippler]

Thank you so much for your reply! I went to my first meeting tonight and saw what you meant about them bring some of the best you've seen - that was wild! I think I will benefit a lot from this so thanks for helping reassure me.

[Stippler in reply to Beekept]

So glad to hear that! I miss EA meetings so much and wish they met in my town. Best wishes to you.

[LoveforAll41]

Hiya Beekept, I absolutely loved emotions anonymous! They had a group when I was in treatment center and it was my favorite. Have you read the book?

I think that it would be a wonderful place to work on your anxiety. I think that resolving mental health issues can only be done when we understand our emotions. That was a really big step for me being raised to not express them and "be a man".

Our facilitator really stressed that it is not important to be Christian. You just have to believe in a higher power. He loved to give the example that named their higher power "Sally Lipstick". It has been a minute but we just have to believe in something bigger than ourselves. It can be the collective power of humanity, mother nature, etc. I am excited for you!☮️ When I left I wanted to start a group but got caught up in life really quick. I would still love to.

[Beekept in reply to LoveforAll41]

Thank you so much for letting me know! These responses have provided my reassurance I needed. I have some church trauma from childhood so this us unbelievably valuable. I go to my first meeting next Tuesday!

[Beekept in reply to LoveforAll41]

Just wanted to follow up and say thanks again for helping me find reassurance to try out a meeting! I went to my first one today and it was really really nice.

[LoveforAll41 in reply to Beekept]

Fabulous!

[Agora1]

I have been in many of the 12 step group programs and they are what you

make it. Some better than others but basically, helpful and supportive.

It's a comfortable setting knowing you are all in the same place in life.

Nobody's problem is worse than another's. Everyone is important in

getting their say in or choosing not to the first time.

Good Luck with your first meeting. Please let us know how it went. xx

[Beekept in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for providing your perspective! I really appreciate it, having some reassurance and context helped me work up the courage to go today. I went and it was exactly what i needed, I'm excited to continue going.

[Agora1 in reply to Beekept]

Sending a Big Smile back to you.

We never know what may help unless we try.

I'm so glad you had a positive experience.

Please do continue and keep us updated on

your progress. I care xx