What Are the Different Types of Self-Help Programs?

Self-help programs offer support to those dealing with various issues, such as poor self esteem and marriage difficulties. Many programs and support groups are designed to teach people techniques for self improvement. Self-help groups for those with learning difficulties benefit individuals of all ages. Self-help programs for women address various female-specific issues. People trying to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol may enroll in a self-help program for substance abuse.

Support groups and self-help programs can help low-income families. These programs are designed to help families manage their financial obligations and offer practical solutions for those living on a fixed income. Some self-help programs work with organizations that provide housing or meals for the poor or homeless. Many of these self-help programs are run by volunteers.

Senior citizens can benefit from various types of free self-help programs. This may include self-help with assisted living, or employment placement. Social service agencies may offer advice on making life more productive for the elderly, while helping seniors gain independence.

Couples who are facing difficulties in their marriage may be helped by relationship self-help groups. These programs are designed to help couples improve their relationship and strengthen their bond. Through positive reinforcement and self-help techniques, a faltering marriage may be saved. Couples may be shown how to communicate more freely, or how to be more accepting of a partner's shortcomings. Self-help groups offer support from other couples with similar relationship problems.

In addition to self-help for couples, there are programs dedicated to self-help for single parents. Many of these programs offer support from other single parents who face similar struggles raising a child alone. Some programs encourage the parent to bring the child to self-help groups. Counseling may be an important part of the self-help sessions.

People coping with various medical conditions may find self-help programs that offer support. Support groups for those suffering from arthritis is one such program. These groups offer practical solutions for dealing with pain and accomplishing everyday tasks. Teaching methods of stress management and offering nutritional advice are other objectives of this self-help program. Self-help support groups for cancer patients may be recommended by a patient's physician.

Self-help video programs are designed to help a person from the privacy of his own home. Video instruction and books may also be a practical solution for those who are housebound. Self-help video programs can generally be purchased over the Internet or downloaded online.