Support Groups
Antidote offers a 10-week, peer-facilitated support group where you can deepen your understanding of Psychological Manipulation dynamics, share your feelings with others, and receive mutual support in a small community setting.
Our support group is provided virtually through a secure video link for 10 consecutive weeks with up to 8 members per group. Each 90-minute session explores a pre-structured topic such as trust building, psychological vulnerability, effective communication, and self-care.
A Support Group Might Be Right for You If You Are:
✔ Over the age of 18
✔ Able to meet weekly from a private setting
✔ Looking to connect with others who have had a similar experience
✔ Open to sharing your story and listening to others
✔ Seeking coping skills and self-awareness tools
Now Accepting Pre-Registration
We understand that many people would benefit from being part of a support group specifically for their situation. Those groups will be forming soon. If you sign up for updates, we will let you know the dates those groups will begin and provide more details about them.
Loved Ones
(Coming Soon!)
Recently Walked Away
(Coming Soon!)
Multi-Generational
(Coming Soon!)
Specialized Support Groups
Interested in becoming an Antidote Support Group facilitator?
Read below for more information
The Peer Facilitator is a volunteer position which plays an integral role in Antidote’s mission to support those who have experienced Psychological Manipulation. The individual in this role provides valuable insight, compassion, and hope to those seeking assistance to understand and heal from Psychological Manipulation.
The Peer Facilitator is responsible for hosting Antidote’s weekly support group for individuals who have experienced Psychological Manipulation in any form. Some examples of this could be being a member of a cult-like group, extremist organization, hate group, online conspiracy group, or relationship in which Psychological Manipulation has taken place. This is a volunteer position as a support group leader. The Peer Facilitator guides participants through a 10-week support group cycle, which meets weekly for 90 minutes. Each volunteer will oversee one support group at a time, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. The Peer Facilitator is not a professional providing mental health services, but rather an individual with shared lived experience who creates a space for social support, emotional connection, education, and skill building to take place in those who are seeking deeper understanding of the impact that Psychological Manipulation has had on their lives.
The individual selected in this role is expected to have the following characteristics:
- Is a survivor of, or loved one of, someone who has experienced Psychological Manipulation
- Can demonstrate no longer being actively impacted by a controlling environment
- Has taken steps to improve personal wellbeing
- Belief in the importance of shared lived experience as a healing factor
- Ability to navigate challenging conversations calmly and tactfully
- Good stress management skills
- Ability to maintain boundaries with others
- Stable internet connection and a computer with access to a webcam
- Comfortability with navigating online video conferencing platforms
- Private, indoor location to ensure confidentiality
Up to 5 hours per week, as follows:
- A one-time orientation and facilitator training of approximately 4 hours each
- Weekly 90-minute support group, plus 15 mins before and after for set up and closure
- Weekly preparation time of 1-2 hours
- Weekly documentation time of 30 mins
- Monthly check-ins/debriefs with an Antidote supervisor for 1 hour
This is a volunteer, unpaid role. The individual is not an employee of Antidote but will receive a $100 stipend every support group cycle, up to a maximum of $400 per year, to offset the costs of a stable internet connection. Volunteers may also receive non-financial benefits from the role such as a feeling of giving back to the community, increased sense of purpose, and a greater understanding of their own experiences. Additionally, volunteers may gain important transferable skills for use in future roles.
Must be:
- Over the age of 18
- Directly affected by Psychological Manipulation (can have supported a loved one)
- Disengaged from the manipulative environment for at least 3 years
- Willing to share your experience when appropriate
- Able to support people from all walks of life in a nonjudgmental fashion
Interested in Becoming an Antidote Support Group Facilitator?
Antidote’s peer-facilitated support groups are made possible by volunteers with lived experience. If you are passionate about helping others heal, you may be a great fit for this role.
Purpose
The Peer Facilitator is a volunteer role that plays a crucial part in Antidote’s mission. Facilitators provide insight, compassion, and hope to those navigating the healing process after Psychological Manipulation.
Responsibilities
Facilitators are responsible for hosting Antidote’s weekly support groups. These groups serve individuals who have experienced Psychological Manipulation in any form, including:
- High-control groups or cults
- Extremist organizations or hate groups
- Online conspiracy groups
- Coercive relationships
As a volunteer support group leader, you will:
- Guide participants through a 10-week support cycle (weekly 90-minute sessions)
- Foster a safe, welcoming environment
- Encourage social support, emotional connection, education, and skill-building
Facilitators are not professional mental health providers, but rather individuals with shared lived experience who create space for healing and empowerment.
Skills and Experience of An ideal Peer Facilitator
Is a survivor of Psychological Manipulation or has supported a loved one
No longer actively impacted by a controlling environment
Has taken steps to improve personal well-being
Believes in shared lived experience as a healing factor
Can navigate challenging conversations with tact and empathy
Demonstrates good stress management and boundary-setting skills
Has a stable internet connection & a private space to facilitate virtual sessions
Is comfortable using video conferencing tools
Time Commitment
Facilitators commit to approximately 5 hours per week with:
- One-time orientation & training (~4 hours)
- Weekly group session (90 minutes, plus prep and debrief time)
- Weekly documentation (~30 minutes)
- Monthly check-ins with an Antidote supervisor (1 hour)
Benefits
This is a volunteer, unpaid position, but facilitators receive:
- A $100 stipend per support group cycle (up to $400/year)
- The opportunity to give back, gain purpose, and strengthen their own healing
- Experience in facilitation, leadership, and peer support skills
How to Apply
To apply, you must:
✔ Be over the age of 18
✔ Have personally experienced or supported someone affected by Psychological Manipulation
✔ Have been disengaged from the manipulative environment for at least 3 years
✔ Be willing to share your experience when appropriate
✔ Be able to support participants in a nonjudgmental manner