The 12 Steps work. They help me keep the focus on myself. And the fact that the rules of conduct inside the group are said out loud every time, a kind of etiquette, does a great deal for understanding and for the ability to accept one another without moralising or contempt - a good, practical Christian skill. What grows out of it is a healthy way of living. For me, realising that you are not the only one gives the courage to change. Thanks to the emphasis on emotions, I have developed the habit of recognising what I feel in the moment and not reacting out of anger.

Man, 43

I came with a single request - irritation. After a few meetings I had already seen the cause of the problem. Understanding the cause, I am learning to handle the way it shows up. I also like that I am learning to talk to people, to open up, to speak directly and honestly. I liked the rule of one or two minutes: I used to record very long voice messages, and now I notice that I speak to the point, without padding. I have started watching my words and my behaviour: my son is growing up, and I want to be an example to him.

Woman, 25

I joined when the group was already on the fourth step. The warmth and unity of the group wrapped around me straight away. I almost always arrive feeling sadness, resentment, anger, loneliness, envy and many other painful feelings - and it is always good to sense that you are not the only one, that you are not alone in how you experience the world. Many times I have watched people's feelings change over the course of two hours. In my own case, gratitude and love come in place of the difficult feelings - I can feel my heart opening up to love.

Woman, 32