Loneliness counseling employs a multifaceted approach, utilizing Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to reframe your negative thought patterns, enhance communication, and improve social skills. It also incorporates interpersonal therapy to address relationship patterns, and mindfulness practices to manage feelings of loneliness and self-criticism. Goal-setting is also encouraged to help you actively pursue social connections and community engagement. Through these techniques, loneliness therapy empowers individuals to overcome isolation, develop meaningful relationships, and enhance their overall emotional well-being.
Loneliness counseling can take different amounts of time. It depends on how lonely a person is and how they're doing in counseling. Normally, it involves many sessions that last from a few weeks to a few months. The exact number of sessions and how long it takes are determined with the loneliness counselor's input.
For many people, feeling social isolated and / or lonely can be devastating. Whether it’s because of a specific event like a death or seems to have come out of nowhere, despite having fulfilling relationships in your life, there are things you can do about it.
Let an animal provide you with comfort and companionship
Interaction with any living thing can bring your comfort and companionship and can be a bridge between you and loneliness. Don’t worry if you’re not interested in going out and buying or adopting a dog or cat today. There are other ways to get involved with animals, including volunteering at animal shelters or walking a neighborhood dog.
Be open minded and find a plan that works for you
Remember that no two people experience loneliness and isolation for the same reasons or in the same ways. There are not cookie cutter plans for you but you can come up with one that works with your unique needs. For example, perhaps you’re interested in volunteering in your community. Maybe there’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to take part in that will get you involved in a group. Whatever it is, coming up with your plan will be an important part of the process.
Put your plan into action
Coming up with a plan is hard enough but actually putting it into action can seem impossible. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything overnight. Take baby steps. The point is not to get to your destination overnight but to make progress at your own pace.
Let the professionals get you the help you need
For many people, the fastest, easiest way to get help with their loneliness and social isolation is to seek out the help of a professional. At Thriveworks Columbia, MD Counseling & Coaching, we can take the time to understand your fears. We will get to the bottom of why you feel so lonely or why you’re so isolated. Together, you and your counselor will come up with a treatment plan that works for your unique needs.
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