Reconnecting
A common theme that pops up regularly with clients is a sense of loneliness and lack of connection. This is something that can affect us at any age, and in any situation. Loneliness doesn’t always mean being physically alone. You might be surrounded by friends or family and still feel unseen, misunderstood, or somehow “on the outside.” Sometimes it’s a sense of drifting, of not feeling grounded in your relationships, your surroundings, or even your own body.
For many people - especially young adults who are still figuring out who they are (though does that process ever really end?!)- this can be a painful and confusing experience. You may start to wonder if there’s something wrong with you, or have feelings of shame about struggling internally when you life looks okay from the outside.
But these feelings often have their roots somewhere. We may have learnt, out of necessity, to hide parts of ourselves in order to stay safe, to please others, or to cope with difficult early experiences. Over time, this can lead to feeling cut off from our true self, or like we’re just going through the motions, and doing it all on our own.
Gently Reconnecting
Even in the moments that we feel the most cut off, reconnecting with ourselves and the environment around us is always possible. It usually doesn’t happen all at once- but that’s okay. Starting with small, consistent steps and a willingness to be curious about what you’re feeling can go a long way. Some things may work for you, some things may not, and that’s completely fine. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Here are some gentle ways to begin reconnecting:
Reconnect with Yourself
Start by creating space to check in with how you’re really doing -beneath the autopilot.
Try journaling or voice notes just for you. Let it be unfiltered and honest. Allow it all to flood out, then turn the page.
Pay attention to your body. Are there places that feel tense, tired, or numb? What might they be holding?
Ask yourself: What do I need right now? The answer might be rest, movement, music, a good cry - or just quiet.
Reconnect with the Natural World
Nature has a quiet way of helping us feel more grounded and less alone.
Step outside and notice what’s around you - the light, the textures, the sounds.
If you can, find a spot you return to often - a tree, a bench, a park. Let it become familiar. Feel yourself be part of the space too.
Go for a walk with no distractions, slow your breath, feel the ground beneath your feet, allow yourself to settle.
Reconnect with Others
Connection doesn’t have to be big or dramatic, it often just begins with presence.
Notice how you feel in different relationships -where do you feel seen or safe? Where do you hide parts of yourself?
Allow yourself to reach out, even just to say, “Hey, I’ve been finding things hard lately” or “It’s been a while, how’s things?”
If deeper connection feels scary, start small: eye contact, shared silence, a walk together.
Find soft connections where you can feel a part of things without too much pressure - a drink in a cafe, a reading group etc
Therapy as a Space to Reconnect
In the therapy room, my focus is always to create a space where you can feel met, heard, and understood, sometimes for the first time in a long time. It’s a place to explore your story, gently unpack what’s been getting in the way, and begin to rebuild a connection with the parts of yourself that may have felt lost, hidden, or unwanted. Its a gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out.
Disconnection isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s often a very human response to pain, stress, or a world that doesn’t always make space for our true selves. Reconnecting takes time, but it begins with permission to start, just as you are.
If this blog resonates with you, and you’re wondering what it might be like to explore these feelings more deeply, you’re warmly invited to get in touch.