About this resource
Loneliness is common and painful, and it is about the quality of connection, not just the number of people around us. This plan maps current connections, the kinds of connection the client wants, what gets in the way and small, realistic steps, with a tracker.
Purpose
To help clients understand their loneliness and plan small steps towards connection.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Counsellors and therapists. Also relevant for social workers, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Adolescents and adults experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Practice setting: Individual counselling and community programs.
Suggested uses
- Loneliness and isolation
- After a move, loss or life change
- Social anxiety alongside other work
- Older adults and young people
Instructions for practitioners
- Normalise loneliness without judgement.
- Explore what kinds of connection matter to the client.
- Address barriers such as anxiety, cost, transport or health.
- Start with very small steps.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Map your current connections.
- Write the kind of connection you want.
- Choose one small step.
Accessibility considerations
Can be completed verbally or with drawing.
Scope and limitations
A planning worksheet for use within counselling or support.
Research basis
Interventions that address social connection and unhelpful social thinking can reduce loneliness.
- Masi, C. M., Chen, H. Y., Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2011). A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Loneliness. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(3), 219–266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868310377394
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
