Why Belonging Matters

Belonging is a fundamental human need, essential for our physical and mental health and well-being. Beyond simply being part of a group; belonging informs our self-worth, brings happiness, and has the greatest impact on living a longer, more satisfying, and meaningful life. Loneliness, on the other hand, can cast a dark shadow over our lives, affecting our overall happiness. It is the number one risk factor for physical and mental health problems and early death.

What Can You Do About It

Many people who struggle with loneliness or feel like they don't belong often begin thinking there is something wrong with them, and there is nothing they can do about it. Although it feels that way, you have the power to change this. You can start right now. This website offers ways you can do to make this change. At the bottom of this page you will find everything this website provides to help you belong.

How Therapy Makes A Difference

Not belonging often leads people to doubt themselves. When you don’t trust yourself, you need someone you can trust to reassure you, to show you that you can believe in yourself, and to help you see that you belong. Working with a trained professional better ensures that you will achieve a grounded sense of belonging that strengthens over time.

Benefits of Integrated Belonging Therapy

I am Dr. Nicholas van Bremen, an associate therapist that specializes in the treatment of loneliness and belonging. For eight years I have helped individuals and couples move away from the pain of loneliness and strengthen their sense of belonging, increase their self-worth, and build more satisfying relationships. I created Integrated Belonging Therapy to help you:

• Develop a sense of belonging within yourself.

• Discover how every part of you is valuable.

• Increase your self-compassion.

• Develop more positive beliefs about yourself.

• Challenge feelings of loneliness.

• Release destructive internalized beliefs.

• Talk to yourself more lovingly.

• Learn to validate and sooth yourself.

• Develop your own criteria for appraising your value.