Peer Support Is Treatment: Why Post-Stroke & TBI Groups Outperform 1:1 Alone

Life after a stroke or traumatic brain injury can feel unfamiliar. Many adults describe changes in routines, confidence, and participation that aren’t fully addressed in traditional one-on-one therapy. While individual OT services are essential, peer support adds something unique—something that can meaningfully influence engagement, motivation, and daily life.

Peer connection isn’t a bonus. It is treatment.

When adults come together and share similar lived experiences, learning takes on a different tone. Someone might describe how they manage grocery shopping without feeling overwhelmed, or how they organize their day around their energy level. Another person might respond, “I’ve had that happen too—here’s what works for me.” These exchanges aren’t planned; they come from everyday experience. Because of that, the ideas often feel more achievable and relatable than strategies practiced in a clinic.

This kind of exchange also supports something that can be difficult to rebuild in individual therapy: identity. After a neurological event, people often wonder what still feels meaningful, how to reconnect with roles and relationships, or where they fit socially. Hearing others talk about returning to routines that matter to them—attending community events, taking the bus again, preparing a familiar meal—creates a sense of possibility. It becomes easier to picture a future when you can see someone else navigating similar changes.

Peer support also normalizes challenges that can feel confusing or frustrating. Even when OTs explain cognitive fatigue, sensory overload, emotional shifts, or slower processing, adults often still feel alone with these changes. But in a group setting, when someone openly says, “I deal with that too,” the entire experience becomes lighter. The frustration becomes something shared rather than something to hide. It creates room for problem-solving and reduces shame.

Peer groups naturally support social participation—something central to everyday functioning. Conversations, turn-taking, planning group activities, managing distractions, and navigating transitions happen organically. Instead of practicing these skills through structured tasks, adults engage with them in real-time, with real emotions, real conversation, and real community interaction.

One of the most powerful outcomes of peer support is the momentum it creates. When one person talks about trying something new—joining a local program, completing a household task, reconnecting with a hobby—it gives others the confidence to imagine doing the same. Progress becomes shared, not competitive.

For OTs, leaning into peer support means recognizing that community connection can extend the impact of therapy far beyond the session. Whether through structured groups, informal meetups, or partnerships with community organizations, incorporating peer experiences can be transformative.

Chicago-Area Peer Support Options

If you or someone you work with is looking to connect with others in the Chicago area, here are a few accessible places to start. These organizations offer opportunities to share experiences, learn from peers, and build community:

  • Brain Injury Association of Illinois (BIA-IL)
    Offers ongoing support groups (virtual and in-person), a statewide resource hotline, and social programming for individuals and families.
  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Stroke Support Group
    Meets monthly at the downtown Chicago location, offering space for adults and families to connect, ask questions, and share strategies.
  • Advocate Illinois Masonic “Life After Stroke” Group
    A community-based support group that meets monthly and welcomes adults and care partners looking for connection and practical support.