How to Help Clients Make Friends

Overview

Journal J Health Serv Psychol

Specialty Health Services

Date 2023 Jun 26

PMID 37360221

Authors

Sophia Thompson

Kaitlyn Deaner

Marisa G Franco

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Friendships have been declining for the past 30 years, resulting in severe mental and physical health consequences. However, multiple barriers prevent individuals from initiating and maintaining connections. This paper highlights the individual and societal-level challenges that limit social connection including fear of rejection, insecure attachment style, structural racism, and increased use of technology. To help clients make friends, we recommend clinicians assess loneliness, social competency, and attachment style; administer cognitive behavioral or behavioral activation therapies; and guide clients to assume others like them and be self-compassionate.

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