Isolation and loneliness were common experiences before the pandemic, and now that many of us are working from home and continuing to social distance, our loneliness is greater than ever before.

Adequate social support is one of the highest predictors of happiness. In a famous longitudinal Harvard study, researchers looked and variables that predicted happiness in a group of graduates over the course of nearly 80 years. This study concluded that close relationships, more than money, influence, or occupational success are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

No wonder so many of us are lonely. Few of us recognize the importance of social connection until the hardship of loneliness becomes overwhelming. While exercise, quiet time, self-improvement, and time off are wonderful forms of “self-care” growth and maintenance of our relationships may be the best form of self-care we can do.

At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, our psychologists and counselors specialize in helping people overcome feelings of loneliness, by helping them create rich, positive relationships with those around them.

Common Conditions That Contribute to Loneliness:

Social Anxiety

Insecurity

Feelings of inadequacy

Working too much

Burnout

Teletherapy & Video Counseling Sessions Available

Biltmore Psychology and Counseling offers teletherapy sessions as a way to participate in counseling without needing to be physically present at our office.

Request Appointment or Contact Us Below

Fill out the form below or call us at (480) 999-7070 for a free 10 minute consultation on how we can help.

Loneliness Counseling FAQs

What is Loneliness?

Loneliness is defined as the difference between how much social contact and satisfaction a person has, and the amount a person actually wants. It can lead to a feeling of isolation, separation, and being labeled or feeling like an outcast.

What are the Symptoms of Loneliness?

One of the more concerning things about loneliness is that the more lonely we become, the more difficult it can be to engage in behaviors that may help us feel less lonely.

Loneliness and depression are similar in this sense, and this is why it becomes even more important to treat loneliness before it becomes severe.

Hesitancy to engage in deep relationships:

As we become more lonely, self-doubt and social anxiety can make it difficult for us to engage in more meaningful relationships. These surface relationships can leave us feeling more empty with little energy to be vulnerable and bond with others.

An overwhelming feeling of loneliness even when surrounded by others:

Close connected relationships are what make us happy, emotionally full, and healthy all around. Yet, when we struggle to connect with others, the mear presence of others can make us feel even more alone, empty, and exhausted.

Low self-esteem:

Much of our healthy self-esteem comes from healthy relationships with others. When we lack quality bonds with others, it becomes all too easy to be self-critical and see little value in ourselves.

Burnout and chronic exhaustion: 

It takes energy to engage with others in a fulfilling and meaningful way. With little energy, social interactions can leave people feeling more and more empty as it can take the little energy the person has left without giving much of the beneficial rewards of deep relationships. 

How Counseling Can Help You Deal with Loneliness?

Loneliness counseling often helps individuals increase their self-confidence, take risks to develop deep, fulfilling relationships, and overcome fear or hurt from negative relationships of the past.

At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we value helping others form healthy relationships as we know that this is the foundation of happiness and health.

What Can You Expect from Loneliness Counseling Sessions?

In our counseling discussions focused on loneliness, we will discuss what you want to help your loneliness versus your current haves. Our professionals will give you tools and strategies to better connect with your loved ones, family, friends, and even strangers to give you a better sense of satisfaction about the quality of time you are spending with your social circle.

Meet our Team

Dr. Melissa Estavillo, PsyD

DR. MELISSA ESTAVILLO, PsyD

Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
Practice Areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD / Trauma, Grief, Spiritual Integration, Medical Counseling

Audrey Sessions PsyD at Biltmore Psychology & Counseling in Phoenix, AZ

DR. AUDREY SESSIONS, PsyD

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.S. Mental Health Counseling, Walden University
Practice Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Emotional Regulation, LGBTQ+, Race-Based Stress, Military and Veteran-Related Issues, General Mental Health, Couples Counseling, Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion, Mindfulness

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Susan Self

SUSAN SELF, LPC

M.S. Counseling and Human Services, University of Toledo
B.S. Psychology, Bowling Green State University

Practice Areas: Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling, Parenting, General Counseling, Anxiety and Depression, Individual Therapy, Career Decisions, Caring for Aging Relatives, Life Changes, Work/Life Stressors

NICOLE ELLIOTT, LPC

M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University

Practice Areas: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt), Depression, Disability Counseling, Existential Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Gerontological Counseling, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling, Mindful Self-Compassion (Msc)

ELIZABETH FELIX, LPC

M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University

Practice Areas: Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief, Life Transitions, Women’s Focused Issues, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Depression, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling, Faith-based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling

Heather Wheeler LCSW at Biltmore Psychology & Counseling in Phoenix, AZ

HEATHER WHEELER, LCSW

Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University
B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University

Specialties: Anxiety, CBT, Depression, Grief Counseling, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ+, Mindfulness, Family Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Women-Focused Issues/New Mothers Counseling, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

Our Location in Phoenix, AZ

We’re here for you.

Our couples counselors apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ.

A 10-min consultation can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you. Call us today for a free phone consultation.

(480) 999-7070