Support & Community
This page contains support resources, community connections, and professional services for individuals with alexithymia and their families. These resources provide emotional support, practical guidance, and opportunities for connection.
Online Communities
Reddit Communities
r/Alexithymia - Active Community Discussion - Largest online alexithymia community - Personal experiences and support - Questions and advice sharing - Regular discussion threads
r/emotionalneglect - Related Support Community - Support for emotional development challenges - Healing and recovery discussions - Relevant for many with alexithymia
Specialized Forums
Alexithymia Support Forum - Dedicated Community - Focused alexithymia discussions - Moderated environment - Resources and information sharing - Anonymous participation option
Wrong Planet - Autism and Alexithymia - Large autism community with alexithymia discussions - Relevant for those with both conditions - Social skills and communication support
Professional Support
Finding Therapists
Psychology Today Therapist Directory - Find a Therapist - Search by location and specialization - Filter for emotion-focused therapy - Read therapist profiles and approaches - Insurance and payment information
Therapy Den - Alternative Therapist Directory - Diverse and inclusive therapist listings - Detailed therapist information - Specialization in various approaches - Community-focused platform
Therapeutic Approaches
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) - Specifically designed for emotional awareness - Helps identify and express emotions - Effective for alexithymia-related challenges - Available from trained EFT therapists
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - Develops body and emotion awareness - 8-week structured program - Available at medical centers and clinics - Strong research support for emotional development
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Emotion regulation skills training - Distress tolerance and mindfulness - Interpersonal effectiveness - Available in individual and group formats
Somatic Therapies - Body-based approaches to emotional awareness - Helps connect physical sensations with emotions - Various modalities available - Particularly helpful for alexithymia
Support Groups
Local Mental Health Centers - Many offer emotion regulation groups - DBT skills groups widely available - Mindfulness and meditation groups - Contact local centers for availability
Hospital-Based Programs - MBSR programs at medical centers - Stress and anxiety management groups - Chronic illness support groups - Often covered by insurance
Crisis and Immediate Support
Crisis Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Phone: 988 - 24/7 crisis support - Text and chat options available - Trained crisis counselors
Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 - 24/7 text-based crisis support - Anonymous and confidential - Trained crisis counselors
Emotional Support
7 Cups - Free Emotional Support - Free emotional support chat - Trained volunteer listeners - Anonymous and accessible - Available 24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline - Phone: 1-800-662-4357 - Mental health and substance abuse information - Treatment referrals and support - 24/7 availability
Family and Relationship Support
For Partners and Families
Understanding Alexithymia - Educational resources for loved ones - Communication strategies - Relationship guidance - Support for family members
Couples Therapy Resources - Emotion-focused couples therapy - Communication skills training - Relationship counseling - Specialized alexithymia-informed therapy
For Parents
Parenting with Alexithymia - Strategies for emotional connection - Helping children develop emotional skills - Family communication approaches - Professional guidance and support
Children's Emotional Development - Resources for supporting children's emotional growth - Early intervention approaches - Educational advocacy - Professional assessment and support
Workplace and Educational Support
Workplace Accommodations
Understanding Workplace Rights - ADA accommodations for mental health - Communication with supervisors - Stress management strategies - Professional development resources
Career Guidance - Choosing alexithymia-friendly careers - Workplace communication strategies - Professional development - Networking and support
Educational Support
Student Services - Disability services at colleges and universities - Academic accommodations - Counseling and mental health services - Peer support programs
Professional Training - Continuing education for healthcare providers - Alexithymia awareness training - Clinical skills development - Research and professional development
Self-Help and Peer Support
Online Support Groups
Virtual Support Meetings - Video-based support groups - Scheduled regular meetings - Facilitated discussions - Anonymous participation options
Peer Support Networks - One-on-one peer support - Shared experience connections - Mutual aid and assistance - Community building
Self-Advocacy Resources
Understanding Your Rights - Mental health advocacy - Healthcare navigation - Insurance and benefits - Legal resources and support
Building Support Networks - Creating personal support systems - Identifying helpful relationships - Community involvement - Volunteer opportunities
Specialized Populations
Autism and Alexithymia
Dual Diagnosis Support - Resources for both conditions - Specialized therapy approaches - Community connections - Research and information
LGBTQ+ Support
Inclusive Mental Health Resources - LGBTQ+-affirming therapists - Community support organizations - Specialized support groups - Cultural competency resources
Cultural and Linguistic Support
Multilingual Resources - Assessment tools in multiple languages - Culturally competent therapy - Community-specific support - Translation and interpretation services
Emergency Resources
When to Seek Immediate Help
Emergency Situations: - Thoughts of self-harm or suicide - Severe emotional distress - Inability to function in daily life - Substance abuse or dangerous behaviors
Emergency Contacts: - 911 for immediate medical emergencies - 988 for mental health crises - Local emergency departments - Crisis intervention teams
Safety Planning
Creating a Safety Plan: - Identifying warning signs - Coping strategies and resources - Support person contacts - Professional emergency contacts
Resource Directories
National Organizations
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Local support groups and resources - Educational programs - Advocacy and awareness - Family support services
Mental Health America - Screening tools and resources - Local affiliate organizations - Advocacy and policy work - Community education programs
Professional Organizations
American Psychological Association (APA) - Professional resources and guidelines - Continuing education - Research and publications - Public education materials
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) - Resources for chronic pain and alexithymia - Professional education - Research and clinical guidelines - Patient advocacy
Support resources are continuously updated based on community needs and available services. If you know of additional resources or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us.