4 Types of Support

Written by: Ashley Grob, LCSW

Support is something we all need from time to time.  Depending on the issue, we need different types of support.  What are the different types of supports?

Emotional

Emotional supporters would be a person who you can be vulnerable with.  A person in your life who may be a good listener, understanding, compassionate, and non judgemental.  This is the person you would turn to during emotional distress.  

Tangible

When you ask for help is it often associated with a task?  If the answer is yes, this would be a tangible supporter.  This support would be in the form of material aid.  Support could include picking someone up from the airport, cooking a meal for someone or other household chores, and helping a coworker with a work project.

Informational 

Just as this sounds, this supporter would be the person you go to for advice.  This would typically be less of an emotional conversation, or asking for help with a task, and more of asking for information, advice or their opinion.  Where should I go for an oil change?  Did you like this restaurant?  Would you recommend this brand? Etc.  

Esteem/Companion

This support may be the easiest to identify as this support is usually found in all of our friends.  People we choose to be in our lives.  This supporter is someone who builds us up.  Someone we often have fun with and enjoy their company.  This person often makes you feel comfortable and at ease.

Trouble identifying or building your supports?  Reach out to one of our therapists at Feeling and Healing Therapy today to get started.  Working with a therapist can help you identify where your supports are the strongest and where they may be lacking.