Do friendships take up too much headspace?
Practical, down-to-earth therapy for people who want to stop overthinking friendships and feel secure in their platonic relationships.
What friendship anxiety can feel like
- You spiral if a text from a friend goes unanswered and you panic that they are mad at you or pulling away.
- A friend cancelling can feel like a punch in the gut - and you're crushed by feelings of rejection
- You overthink social interactions - worrying if you've been 'too much' or 'not enough'.
- You daren't say no to friends because you think you will lose them
- You feel you can't be yourself with friends or open up and this gets in the way of making authentic connections
- You've tried to stop overthinking or looking at things a different way but its not worked
As therapist that specialises in friendships I can help you:
- Stop overthinking friendships and be more present in daily life
- Deal with the ebb and flow of friendships with steadiness
- Take things less personally so that you don't spiral
- Feel more secure in friendships without being on guard for rejection
- Have boundaries with your friends and stop trying to please
"I have always struggled with friendships and was my own worse critic. I tried therapy before but Rebecca's kind and practical approach had the best results. I use the exercises Rebecca taught me almost on a daily basis, helping bring a moment of calm and reflection when overwhelmed with anxious thoughts about friends. My friendships have improved as I feel I can be myself and not worry about pleasing everyone. I would Rebecca’s practice to anyone"
Natasha C
Self Esteem Client
Friendship issues are often linked to other concerns. We can work on...
- Overthinking
- Fear of rejection and failure
- Panic Attacks
- Low Self Esteem
- People pleasing
- Social Anxiety
- Perfectionism
- High functioning anxiety
- Imposter syndrome
- Self criticism
- Anxious attachment styles
- Childhood trauma
What to expect from therapy for friendship anxiety
I believe that therapy should be an active collaboration so you’re heard and validated but also empowered with the information and tools you need to move forward. I am trained in the following highly effective and evidence based techniques to increase your self esteem so you can let go of anxiety and build the life you want.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Using the latest, evidence based techniques, you will be less caught up in unhelpful thoughts and feelings so that you can move towards friendship goals which are important to you based on your values.
- Compassion Focussed Therapy is a cutting edge, evidence based approach specifically designed to reduce interpersonal anxiety and self esteem. It combines the latest research into neuroscience, attachment theory, somatic practices, mindfulness and CBT to create a powerful psychological intervention. There is overwhelming evidence that building self compassion helps to heal early attachment wounds and equips people with newfound resilience to deal with the stresses of life with kindness and acceptance instead of criticism.
- CBT: Is the gold standard method for improving mental health which helps you recognise and change the unhelpful thoughts contributing to friendship anxiety. Combined with active relaxation, breathwork and mindfulness, and self compassion, CBT is a powerful intervention for self esteem.
- EMDR to help you process traumatic events from your past (or early relationship patterns) that are effecting your present.
"Before working with Rebecca I felt crippled by lack of confidence and anxious about everything. Fear of making rejection stopped me making connections. Rebecca helped me understand why I felt how I did and then we worked together to build up my self esteem sp that I felt more secure with my friends. I feel like a different person and am so glad I started this journey"
Annie
Friendship Anxiety Client
How much is therapy for friendship issues?
My sessions are £85 for 50 mins. The cost also includes weekly emails with information and resources, including my own guided meditations, to help you work on yourself in between sessions.
How Long Will Therapy For Friendships Take?
Its very hard to say how long therapy will take as it differs from person to person. Therapy for friendship issues is not a quick fix and it can take time to build a relationship, understand your past experiences and then put the new tools into practice. It is therefore usually a long term commitment and expecting at least 12-16 sessions is a good idea although it may be longer.
My blogs on Low Self Esteem and how it affects friendships
About Me: I can help because I've been there.
I am a fully qualified BACP registered therapist and mindful self compassion teacher. I am passionate about helping people struggling with friendships because I have experienced that myself.
I used to be so worried about what other people thought that it held me back from living the life I wanted and created anxiety in my work and personal life. When I discovered techniques to stop overthinking friendships and feel more secure socially, it inspired me to train as a therapist and so that I can share these techniques with others.
I have worked in mental health for over 15 years, including well known mental health charities such as MIND and RETHINK. In addition to my private therapy practice I am also a qualified and experienced mindfulness teacher and Anxiety UK Approved Therapist.
For more information about my work experience and training see “about me” section.