Support & Community
This page covers everyday support resources and community connections for people with alexithymia, their families, and clinicians who work with them. It's a starting point for finding peers, professionals, and ongoing support.
If you're in crisis
For thoughts of suicide or self-harm, acute distress, or immediate danger, please go to Crisis & Urgent Support →.
United States: call or text 988. Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741. Emergency: 911.
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
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
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 reviewed periodically based on community needs. If you know of additional resources or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us. For crisis resources, see Crisis & Urgent Support.