Support/Rap Groups

To view our current schedule of meetings, click here.



What is a support/rap group?

A rap group is another term used to describe a support group. A support/rap group is simply a forum provided where people can come together to discuss similar topics of interest. At DBSA Succasunna, most people are dealing with issues pertaining to depression and/or bipolar disorder.

What can I expect at a typical support/rap group?

When a person comes to a meeting, they will be welcomed to the group by a greeter (someone who has been to previous meetings). They will be asked to wear a name tag (first name only), thus no one is a stranger. The name tags help to empower people. In essence, we are all equals. They will also be added to a list (first name only) and may be asked what type of group they wish to partake in i.e. consumer/patient or family member/friend. This assists us in dividing the entire group into smaller break out groups. Typically, the number of total people present varies between 12 and 36 people. Once a person has their name tag and has their name on a list, most people will enjoy viewing the free educational literature available, seeing what we have to offer in our tape, CD, and DVD lending library, and/or connecting up with past friends who they may have met at previous meetings. Click here to be directed to our Self Help page where you will find out more information about our lending library.

When the meeting officially begins, we start out as one (1) large group to provide announcements regarding upcoming events and/or mental health related news. Then, we split into smaller groups, which typically have no more than 10 to 12 people per group. Sometimes there are family and friend groups and separate consumer/patient groups while other times, the groups are mixed. If both a person who is diagnosed and a family member attend a meeting, we suggest that they participate in separate meetings, but we never force this upon people. We believe that by family members attending separate meetings, each member is provided with an opportunity to talk about things that might be difficult or embarrassing to discuss with both parties in the same room.

Groups are not professionally run. Instead, each group will have a facilitator and a buddy present. The facilitator is either a consumer/patient or a family/friend and helps guide the process during the rap group (i.e. insuring that everyone gets a chance to speak). Most of the time, the facilitator has had some training on how to facilitate; however, he or she is an equal member in the group. The buddy assists the facilitator and, if necessitated, will help the group member with any medical and/or psychiatric emergency (has not happened in 4 years). Most of all, regardless of who a person is, we work to make each group an empowering experience for all individuals involved, our goal in the best of instances being to have "self run" groups and group members not relying upon a facilitator or buddy to keep things moving thereby everyone participating freely.
Once the groups have been split up, the group code of conduct (see below) is reviewed which is a basic verbal review of the Group Guidelines and Agreement that all members must sign. After the Code of Conduct has been completed, people typically begin by introducing themselves. Then, typically open discussions begin and continues until the end time of 9:00 pm. At the end of the meeting, we do a “pass the hat” where people can choose to make a voluntary donation. Most people will donate $1-$2. It helps to defray group expenses.

All groups are meant to be judgment free, with people speaking from their personal experiences, without giving direct advice, unless such specific advice is requested by a particular individual.


I’m new - what if it’s my first time at a meeting?

First of all, you do not need to make a reservation or call ahead unless you wish to communicate with someone prior. You can just show up at any given meeting.

If a person is new, they will be directed into what we call the “newcomer’s room” where they will be warmly greeted. They will be provided with two forms (one has a front and back) all of which will be explained.

One form is termed our “Group Guidelines and Agreement” and discusses DBSA Succasunna, what we are, what we are not, what we do, what we do not do, etc. The person is asked to print their name and then to sign that they have read and agree to these guidelines. Nothing has ever been a surprise to anyone i.e. do not come to group under the influence of illegal substances. Our code of conduct, read at the beginning of each group, reiterates what is included in the “Group Guidelines and Agreement” and the Code of Conduct can be found below. The Group Guidelines and Agreement needs to be signed in order to participate in a support group meeting. If a person has a concern regarding the contents of the “Group Guidelines and Agreement” or has any other questions, a member of the Board of Trustees will be happy to respond to concerns or answer question(s). Furthermore, if a person is concerned about signing their name, other options are available.

The other form contains a brief survey (person’s name, address, phone, e-mail, etc, where they found out about the group, etc,) that many people choose to complete. The completed sheet is kept in a completely confidential database. The information provided on the survey helps us to know how people are finding out about our group and what people are looking for in a self-help support group. It would aid us in applying for grants as well. It also enables the person to receive notification of our yearly calendar as well as future special events via e-mail, telephone or regular mail communication. Completing this survey is optional.

Lastly, we request that everyone complete an “Emergency Contact Form”, which is on the back side of the survey. This form is optional; however, it will assist us in the event that a group member suffers a medical (physical or psychiatric) emergency, while attending a support group or support group event.

If you would prefer to complete the form(s) prior to arriving at the group meeting, click here to e-mail us and we will send it to you as a Word attachment.


What types of things do people discuss?

 What is the group member code of conduct that is reviewed at each group?

1)  We agree to keep group processes and conversations confidential.  What’s said here stays here….. unless there is a safety issue – for example, danger to a person.

2)  We agree to use “I” statements - sharing what we know and what we feel as we feel comfortable.

3)  We agree to be on time.  The starting time of the support/rap group is 7:15 pm.  People arriving after rap groups have left the common area will not be able to participate in group on that particular evening.

4)  We agree to not monopolize group time or have side conversations.

5)  We agree that all of us are equal including facilitators.  Facilitators are here simply to see that everyone has a safe and supportive environment in which to share. 

6)  We agree to respect each other by: 

a.     Listening to what we all have to say 

        b.     Allowing for differences of opinion 

        c.      Forgiving a person when someone may forget a rule

7)  We agree that NO abusive words or behavior will be tolerated.

8)  We will do our best to remember that all groups will be a different experience based on the group members and the facilitator(s) present.

9)  If at ANYTIME we feel uncomfortable with a conversation or situation, we agree to try to advise the group, facilitator and/or buddy either publicly or privately.

10)  Our goals include:

        a.     Sharing successes, knowledge, strength and coping skills 

        b.  Being compassionate, listening and supporting each
other in dealing with our individual lives. 



To view our current schedule of meetings, click here.