Emotions Anonymous

Emotions Anonymous (EA) is a free, peer-led mutual aid fellowship for people facing emotional difficulties of any kind, not a specific diagnosis: anxiety, depression, grief, anger, or distress. EA adapts the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for emotional and mental health concerns rather than substance use.

Who it's for, and who it's not

A good fit if the 12-Step framework feels meaningful, or you're willing to engage with it.

Meetings include religious language (Serenity and Lord's Prayers). No belief is required.

Not for a psychiatric crisis, active suicidal thoughts, or psychosis. In crisis? Call or text 988.

What it's for

Open to anyone in emotional pain, regardless of diagnosis, background, or prior treatment.

Members may face depression, anxiety, grief, chronic stress, or codependency.

No diagnosis required. EA is a fellowship, not a clinical program or a treatment.

What to expect

1A predictable 12-Step format: opening readings, member sharing in turn, then a brief close.

2Cross-talk is discouraged. Members share their own experience rather than advising others.

3Meetings run 60 to 90 minutes. Newcomers are welcomed but never required to share.

There is no research specific to EA, but the evidence for mutual help groups is encouraging.

A review of mental health mutual help groups found consistent benefit across well-being, coping, and social support.¹

A 2021 review and meta-analysis of 40 studies found group peer support brought significant benefits for social support, hope, empowerment, and self-management.²

Making the most of it

Keep coming back. Relief builds with honest repetition.

Listening counts. You don't have to share to belong.

Try different meetings. Find the group that fits.

Questions to ask before you join

1Is this meeting in person or online, and how do I find it?

2What does the format look like, and how long does it run?

3Is working the Steps with a sponsor expected, or optional?

Ready to find a group?

Browse 2,000+ therapy and support groups in all 50 states.

Free to browse · No account needed · thegroupguide.com

In crisis? Call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7).

The Group Guide is a directory, not a clinic. This handout is general education, not medical or mental health advice. Listings are written by group leaders and are not endorsements. Confirm details, cost, and fit with any group you contact. Sources on page 2.

The Group Guide

Connecting people to community

Client and Family Education

Sources

Emotions Anonymous · references keyed to the numbers on page 1.

1Pistrang, N., Barker, C., & Humphreys, K. Mutual help groups for mental health problems: a review of effectiveness studies. American Journal of Community Psychology (2008), 42(1–2), 110–121.

2Lyons, N., Cooper, C., & Lloyd-Evans, B. A systematic review and meta-analysis of group peer support interventions for people experiencing mental health conditions. BMC Psychiatry (2021), 21(1), Article 315.