Therapeutic Factors In The NA Meeting

During the meeting I noticed numerous of therapeutic factors that were taking place. The first factor I noticed in the meeting was universality. The members in the meeting came from different walks of life, socio-economic statuses, and cultures but they all shared a common problem or situation. They were all there because they have an addiction or they had an addiction in the past. Altruism was also another factor that was applied within the group. While reading the text some of the members had a hard time reading some of the words. Usually when this happens the reader feels ashamed and embarrassed but it was completely different. Everyone within the group supported and helped those who couldn't read the words by telling them the word and by saying that is okay if they mess up and to keep reading. I could feel the support from everyone within the group. I believe that the support displayed within the group helped those who needed support, feel safe and comfortable by knowing that everyone there was supporting them. This also ties into the guidance factor. The members were guiding one another and offering assistance to
I believe the act of hugging one another when first entering the room, really made everyone feel like they belonged. Initially, when I was hugged by the members I felt awkward and out of place but I can honestly say it made me feel as if I belonged. When stories were being shared, different members shook their heads with approval, which signified that they understood and that the person sharing was not along. I believe, that specific gesture along made the members that were sharing feel like they were being understood and that belonged. Also, one specific example of cohesion that I noticed was when different members addressed the entire group, “as family.” Everyone in the group strongly believed that everyone in the meeting was a part of their family and their actions showed