The Brazilian Unified Health System is the largest public health policy in the country, and offers every Brazilian citizen full, universal and free access to health services throughout the national territory. Its principles are universalization, integrality and equity. Primary Health Care is the first level of health care and a gateway to the health system. The goal of this research is to analyze and comprehend the experiences and expectations of primary health care users related to health education. It is a qualitative research held in two Primary Healthcare Centers in the city of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. Participant observation of educational activities and semistructured interviews were used as research techniques. The analysis of the interviews featured Bardin’s content analysis as theoretical framework, in accordance with Bourdieu’s theory of social action, which encompasses concepts of habitus, symbolic capital, field and symbolic power. Twelve interviews were conducted and three analytical categories were identified: autonomy and vulnerability: the agent’s social trajectory; extended health care: meanings and tensions experienced from symbolic capitals; and bonding, trust and affection: the network of social support. The collective actions opened space for dialog and appreciation of everyone’s ideas to develop critical and reflective thinking. The respondents background of vulnerability was considered limiting to their capability of developing autonomy and self-care. For the respondents the collective actions represent a therapeutic practice that is complementary to the clinical care as well as a start of a social support network. The articulation of Bourdieus theory of social action with health education contributed to the understanding of users experiences, interests and motivations. Contribution to the field of health education is expected by proposing effective and transforming actions through dialog and interaction with the dynamics of the lives of the common people.