Though often used interchangeably, loneliness and social isolation are not the same thing. Loneliness is a subjective, emotional experience — the distress we feel when there’s a gap between the relationships we want and the ones we have. It’s entirely possible to feel lonely even when surrounded by others.
Social isolation, by contrast, is more objective. It refers to having few social contacts or infrequent interactions with others. Someone who lives alone and rarely engages with others may be socially isolated — but not necessarily lonely if they are content with that solitude.
At the same time, someone might be socially active on paper — attending work, family events, or social gatherings — and still feel a painful sense of emotional disconnection. This is where therapy for loneliness and social isolation therapy can differ slightly. One focuses on the emotional experience of aloneness; the other may work on rebuilding the structure and frequency of social contact.
Therapists often assess both your internal sense of connection and your external social habits to tailor a plan that addresses the full picture.