The 6 Most Common Issues Introverts Bring Up In Therapy

As someone who spends a lot of time alone, I call myself an introvert.Not only do I enjoy being alone, but I also need alone time to recharge my batteries, even if it’s just through a small social interaction.Extroverts, on the other hand, however, are energized by being around people and receiving lots of stimulation.

That said, sometimes society doesn’t suit the needs of introverts, and it can be difficult for them to socialize and communicate.This is where psychotherapy comes in handy: it can help you cope with these situations, helping you to explore your inner life and become more attuned to your quieter personality and the needs that come with it.

Below, we asked therapists to share the most common topics introverts often bring up in therapy and why they come up so often.If you feel the same way, you’re not alone.

Finding space to replenish social energy

Everyone needs a moment alone from time to time.However, some people need solitude more than others – and solitude can be difficult to achieve when loved ones may not understand how important it is, or when you don’t have enough space to be alone.

Many introverts may feel exhausted after socializing with friends, and it’s important to create space for them to recharge.This can be difficult if they live with a partner or roommate.In therapy, we usually discuss how to effectively communicate their needs to ensure that their friends or family understand that distancing themselves from others is not a personal issue.

Setting boundaries with friends and loved ones

Many people find it difficult to set boundaries, but it’s even harder for introverts to speak up for themselves and express their needs.

Oftentimes, introverts talk about how they have trouble setting boundaries because it may require more extroverted energy than they can handle.

When introverted clients struggle with this, they may discuss how to set clear and to-the-point boundaries, because sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the discussion aspect rather than actually setting boundaries.

Additionally, it is common to talk about coping skills and pain tolerance skills because uncomfortable feelings and emotions may arise when setting boundaries and it is important for clients to know how to manage these feelings and emotions in a healthy way when they arise.

Handling communication with friends

This isn’t a topic that only introverts bring up in therapy, but it comes up often because responding to texts and phone calls can sometimes be overwhelming when you’re socially inept.

The concept of answering a phone call or text message can be overwhelming to some introverts, who may have a hard time coaching their loved ones about their communication preferences.

In these cases, clients may be concerned that friends and family will take their delayed response personally, or see it as a sign that they don’t value the relationship as much as they do simply out of their needs.

Control of overstimulation and irritability

After a period of socializing in groups, introverts need time alone to recharge.When they don’t have access to this energy or have difficulty expressing this need, it can sometimes lead to irritability — a topic that introverts often bring up in therapy when they’re looking for ways to better manage it.

It’s common to see this in introverts, when they get overexcited or socially exhausted, they either close themselves off or become irritable.

During the session, the therapist and client will work together to discuss and develop positive thinking skills and coping skills to help them prepare for extremely irritating or overstimulating situations.

As difficult as it may be, it’s important to take responsibility and move forward in a healthier, more productive way.

Looking for a romantic relationship

Dating can be hard for anyone – including introverts, who can easily become exhausted from socializing.For introverts who need a lot of alone time to rejuvenate, multiple dates can be overwhelming.

This isn’t to say that introverts don’t want romantic relationships, but it’s difficult to find a balance that meets the needs of both parties.

Responding to social pressures

Society puts a lot of pressure on people to maintain the status quo in almost everything.However, introverts often find this difficult when extroversion becomes the default personality.

Introverts often mention that they worry about what others think of them, and that they consistently feel social pressure to engage in activities and socialize with friends.They may also sometimes believe that they have a problem or that they are not living up to society’s standards as a result.