The nature of the processes involved in the phenomena of psychological change and self-development as related to the concept of self-help and mutual aid are examined in this paper. Awareness, motivation, and self-actualization are seen as part of a fundamental process of growth and development. It is suggested that a parallel to the personal growth movement may be found in the grass roots social philosophy of the self-help movement. Two aspects of the self-help movement are examined in detail: an analysis of the literature on the subject and a discussion of the various functions of mutual help groups. The concept of self-help is seen as an idea relevant to coping with a rapidly changing environment. The paper is organized into four parts. The first part defines awareness and examines paradigms of Eastern and Western cultures. The second part examines motivation and mutual aid as a catalyst. The third part, on self-actualization, discusses social help as self-help, with attention to the relations between professionals and mutual aid groups and the social implications of the movement toward self-help. The fourth part, a conclusion, briefly reviews the paradigm shift that the human services field has been undergoing, using the phrase "paradigms lost and paradigms gained" to sum up the movement away from depersonalized professionalism and toward mutual self-help and group process. A list of 71 references is included. (ABL)