Topics · Nicosia
Interpersonal relationships: feeling closer to others
Our relationships can give us strength, but they can also hurt us. When the same difficulties keep coming back, it helps to look at what is happening with someone who can listen.
Why relationships matter so much
As people, we are made to live alongside others. Good relationships give us support in hard times and joy in good ones. When our relationships are struggling, we feel it in our mood, our sleep and our confidence.
The American Psychological Association (APA) described its 'Stress in America 2025' survey as a 'crisis of connection'. About half of adults in the US said they felt lonely at least sometimes. The figures are from the US, but the need for real connection is familiar everywhere.
Difficulties people bring to us
Every relationship is different. Some things we often hear about are:
- frequent conflict with a partner or family
- finding it hard to trust or open up to others
- fear of being rejected or left
- relationships where you give a lot and get little back
- difficulty making or keeping friends
- tension with colleagues or managers
- loneliness, even when there are people around you
Patterns that repeat
We often find ourselves in the same place again and again, with different people. This does not mean it is your fault. Many of us carry ways of relating that we learned as children in order to feel safe or loved.
Once you understand these patterns, you can make different choices: setting boundaries, saying what you need and choosing relationships that are good for you.
Big life changes, such as moving to a new city or country, a break-up, a loss or the birth of a child, also change our relationships. It is natural to need time and support to find your place among others again.
How we can help
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia we work with adults in individual sessions, with couples in couples therapy and with families. Together we look at what is happening in your relationships, how you feel and what you would like to change.
Many people find that when they feel more secure in themselves and learn to speak more openly, their relationships become calmer and more meaningful. The relationship with your psychologist is also a safe place to try out new ways of relating.
For organisations and businesses, we also support better relationships in the workplace.
Your first session
In the first meeting you tell us what is on your mind and which relationships feel difficult. You share only what you feel ready to share. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY where it applies, in Greek, English or Romanian.
If there is violence in a relationship or you fear for your safety, safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Does the other person need to come too?
Not necessarily. You can start on your own. If it is about your relationship with a partner or family, we can later decide together whether joint sessions would help.
I feel lonely, but I do not have a 'serious' problem. Can I come?
Of course. Loneliness and relationship difficulties deserve care, however 'small' they may seem. You do not need to wait for things to get worse.
How is this different from couples therapy?
Couples therapy focuses on the relationship between two partners and involves both of them. Here we look at all your relationships, and we usually start individually.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you say in sessions stays confidential, within the limits we will explain to you at the start.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- American Psychological Association: Stress in America 2025, A crisis of connection
- NHS Every Mind Matters: Loneliness
- NHS: 5 steps to mental wellbeing
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.