Loneliness
Understanding Loneliness
Loneliness is not simply about being alone. Many people feel lonely while surrounded by others, in relationships, or in busy environments. Loneliness reflects a gap between the connection you want and the connection you experience. It can be quiet and persistent, or sharp and painful, and it often carries shame that makes it difficult to talk about openly.
At Lodestone Psychology, we understand loneliness as a deeply human experience rather than a personal failing. Therapy offers a place to explore loneliness with honesty and care, without pressure to “put yourself out there” before you feel ready.
How Loneliness Can Show Up
Loneliness can affect emotional, cognitive, and physical wellbeing. You may notice:
Feeling disconnected or unseen, even with others present
Difficulty forming or maintaining close relationships
A sense of emptiness or longing
Increased anxiety, sadness, or irritability
Social withdrawal or avoidance
Self-criticism about being “too much” or “not enough”
Loneliness often overlaps with life transitions, loss, trauma, neurodivergence, chronic illness, or changes in work and community.
The Impact of Chronic Loneliness
When loneliness becomes ongoing, it can shape how you see yourself and others. People may begin to expect rejection, minimize their needs, or stop reaching out altogether. Over time, this can contribute to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional numbness.
Therapy helps interrupt these cycles by creating a relational space where connection is experienced safely and consistently.
Our Therapeutic Approach
Loneliness therapy at Lodestone Psychology is relational, trauma-informed, and paced with care. Therapy does not force social goals or prescribe quick fixes. Instead, we focus on understanding your relational history and supporting connection that feels safe and authentic.
Therapy may include:
Exploring past relational experiences and attachment patterns
Addressing social anxiety or fear of rejection
Processing loss, grief, or relational trauma
Strengthening emotional regulation and self-compassion
Practicing communication and boundary skills
Rebuilding trust in connection over time
We draw from attachment-based therapy, CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches, adapting strategies to your needs and capacity.
Loneliness and Identity
Loneliness often intersects with identity—feeling different, misunderstood, or out of sync with others. This can be especially true for people navigating neurodivergence, cultural transitions, sexuality or gender identity exploration, illness, or major life changes.
Therapy provides space to explore these experiences without judgment and to clarify what meaningful connection looks like for you.
Loneliness Therapy Summary
We support adults across Calgary and Alberta who are experiencing loneliness or disconnection. Therapy is available in person and virtually, offering flexibility and accessibility.
You don’t have to navigate loneliness on your own. Therapy can offer a steady, supportive space to explore connection, belonging, and what feels possible next.
