the helper-therapy principle
The helper-therapy principle states that giving help to someone else is the best way of being helped. For example, a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) member who provides support to another NA member may benefit more than the helpee. Being the helper is of benefit because:
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the helper feels good about having something to give;
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it is an active role and the helper feels less dependent;
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the helper feels useful and competent; and
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it gives the helper a sense of being in control and capable of doing something useful.