Loneliness Action Plan
A worksheet for loneliness that identifies desired types of connection, reframes lonely thoughts and plans small connection steps with outcomes.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Social connection
- Approach / concern
- Universal
- Technique
- Social connection
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Loneliness Action Plan?
Loneliness is a subjective sense of social disconnection. It can bias attention toward social threat and expectations of rejection, which may lead to withdrawal and maintain loneliness.
Why it works
A meta-analysis found interventions addressing maladaptive social cognition were among the most effective for reducing loneliness (Masi et al., 2011). Social connection is strongly linked to health and survival (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).
When to use it
- Loneliness and isolation
- After moves, breakups or bereavement
- Older adults and students
- Depression with withdrawal
How to use it in session
- Normalize loneliness.
- Identify the connection the client misses.
- Reframe lonely, rejection-focused thoughts.
- Plan small, specific connection steps.
- Review outcomes and build gradually.
Clinician tips
- Quality matters more than quantity of contacts.
- Consider community groups, volunteering and online communities.
- Watch for depression and social anxiety.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is loneliness the same as being alone?
No. You can feel lonely in a crowd, or content alone. Loneliness is about the gap between wanted and actual connection.
Why is it so hard to reach out when lonely?
Loneliness can make us expect rejection, so reaching out feels risky. Small steps help.
References
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.
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
