Loneliness and belonging

What is it?

Loneliness is less about having no one around and more about not feeling understood or connected. Living abroad, you can be in touch with many people at work, in your neighbourhood or on social media and still feel deeply alone. Religious holidays, family celebrations and times of loss can make this feeling even more visible.

The need to belong is one of our most basic human needs. When it goes unmet for a long time it can lead to feeling worthless, withdrawing, or becoming wary of relationships. This feeling is not a character flaw; it is often a natural reflection of circumstances and transitions, and talking about it can help.

Common signs

Feeling alone even when you are among people
Sadness that grows at weekends, holidays and special occasions
Hesitating, or lacking the energy, to form new relationships
A sense that ties with loved ones in Turkey are fading
Filling the gap with long hours on your phone, on screens or at work
The thought that "nobody really knows me"

These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.

How can therapy help?

With Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) we look at the thoughts that feed loneliness, such as "nobody would want to spend time with me", notice cycles of withdrawal, and set small steps towards connection that suit you.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy looks at earlier experiences of closeness and belonging, and at how you tend to position yourself in relationships. A regular therapeutic relationship can itself offer a safe space to feel understood.

Approaches I use in this area

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy

An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.

Online therapy for people living abroad, in Turkish or English

Wherever you live, in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK or further away, you can talk in the language you feel most at home in. Sessions take place over a secure video call, in Turkish or English.

When is extra support needed?

Loneliness does not on its own mean a diagnosis. But if it has turned into deep hopelessness, a sense that life is meaningless or thoughts of harming yourself, please do not wait: call the emergency number of the country you live in (112 across the EU, 999 in the UK) or go to the nearest emergency department. If medication or regular in person care is needed, you may need to see a GP or psychiatrist where you live.

Frequently asked questions

Will online sessions make me feel even more isolated?

It is a fair question. For many people, regular online sessions in their own language become a place where they feel understood and connected. Still, therapy is meant to help you strengthen the other connections in your life, not to replace them.

Is it an overreaction to seek therapy for loneliness?

No. Loneliness is a real burden that can affect sleep, mood and physical health. You do not need to wait for things to get worse before talking about it.

Holidays and special days are harder. Can we prepare for them?

Yes. Talking about difficult periods in advance, and thinking together about what might help on those days, can be part of our sessions.

Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.