We all feel lonely at times. For some individuals, loneliness can be a much more chronic experience. And it often occurs along with other difficulties (e.g., depression, relationship difficulties, etc). So what effective resources and therapies for loneliness help?
Let’s put it plainly: Loneliness sucks to experience. But it also impacts both physical and cognitive health. These impacts now make it a declared public health epidemic. Loneliness even occurs when there are individuals who are present and active in our lives. Research finds that the feeling of loneliness and social isolation are actually different experiences (if related).
Both actual and perceived quality of social interactions and social support appear to contribute to loneliness. Well-established methods of therapy for loneliness are out there, though! They focus on these mutual elements to help individuals.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for loneliness proves helpful for any age group in both individual and group formats. CBT is effective because it addresses and challenges maladaptive social cognitions that interfere with social connectedness (e.g., “People leave you high and dry.”; “No one wants to spend time with me.”).
CBT also incorporates skills and behavioral experiments aimed at increasing one’s engagement with others to build current relationships and develop new ones. Social skills and assertiveness training is also easily incorporated for this goal. CBT trainings are plentiful for clinicians wanting to hone those skills.
Behavioral activation is also a promising therapy for loneliness for older adults when applied to this issue. This helps tackle loneliness by clarifying values and monitoring how related activities affects one’s mood. This therapeutic process also facilitates connection with individuals and communities to build social connectedness. Trainings and therapist resources are out there for behavioral activation, too.
So what about an obvious one – our furry little friends? Animal therapy appears to be highly effective for loneliness when used along with structured long-term care. So the old “just get a dog” may not be effective on its own. But a little buddy plus some continued support and skills makes a great combination.
Chronic loneliness is such a difficult experience that can really take a toll on us. For clients experiencing these difficulties, there are effective ways to boost therapist resources to help. And that spells hope for clients of all ages.
