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I Struggle With Social Situations and Don’t Know Why | Holistic Counselling

Support for adults who feel out of place in groups, exhausted by small talk, or confused by social expectations

Last updated on 28 August 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

Social situations can be hard for many people, but if you often feel drained, disoriented or out of place after even basic interactions, you’re not alone. Some adults experience a deep, ongoing sense of misalignment in social spaces – even those that appear safe or friendly.

Holistic counselling with Nathan Gurry helps adults explore the emotional, neurological and spiritual layers behind these patterns. Instead of pushing you to “get better” at socialising, Nathan’s approach meets you where you are and works with your actual experience of the world.

When Social Struggles Run Deep

If you’ve always found groups difficult, or feel like you missed some invisible rulebook others seem to follow, there may be deeper reasons. This is especially common in adults who are neurodivergent, highly sensitive, spiritually aware or emotionally attuned.

You might notice:

  • You rehearse conversations in your head before they happen
  • Small talk feels unnatural or performative
  • You feel confused after interactions and replay them for hours
  • You shut down in loud or fast-paced environments
  • You feel more connected in one-on-one or meaningful conversations
  • You experience social guilt, shame or masking fatigue


These aren’t personality flaws. They’re often signs of a deeper inner intelligence that hasn’t been met with the right kind of support.

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What This Counselling Offers

Sessions focus on recognising and reducing the internal pressure to conform to social expectations that don’t suit your nervous system or inner values.

Common themes explored include:

  • Social masking and its long-term effects
  • Understanding energetic overwhelm and overstimulation
  • Reclaiming social authenticity
  • Processing past experiences of social rejection or misunderstanding
  • Supporting the nervous system before and after social situations
  • Building confidence in your natural communication style


This is not about training you to “fit in better.” It’s about understanding why your social experience has felt off for so long and giving space to heal from it.

Online and In-Person Appointments

Nathan offers sessions online throughout Australia and in person at Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Wavell Heights). Many patients who find social environments overwhelming prefer online counselling, where they can participate from a space that feels safe and familiar.

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Quote from Nathan Gurry

“Most people I work with don’t just dislike socialising – they feel like something in them disappears when they’re in a group. They’re not broken. They’re attuned in a way that hasn’t been supported. We start by making space for their way of being, not fixing it.”

How to Book

To book an appointment with Nathan, call (07) 3861 5881 or book online through Brisbane Livewell Clinic. Sessions are available weekdays.

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FAQs

1. Why do I struggle with social situations even when they’re not threatening?

If social interactions leave you confused or exhausted, it may be due to sensory sensitivity, masking, trauma or simply not resonating with conventional communication norms.

2. What does holistic counselling offer for social challenges?

Nathan helps you understand and process your unique experience without pushing you to perform socially. Sessions support self-acceptance and nervous system regulation.

3. Could this be related to autism or neurodivergence?

Possibly. Many adults who feel socially out of sync later identify as neurodivergent. However, you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from this work.

4. I always replay conversations in my head. Is that normal?

Yes, and it’s a sign your nervous system is trying to process emotional uncertainty. Counselling can help reduce this looping pattern.

5. What if I avoid social events completely?

That’s common for people who’ve experienced chronic overwhelm or disconnection. We explore what feels safest first, without forcing exposure.

6. Is this therapy just for introverts?

No. Many extroverts also feel confused or disconnected in social settings. It’s not about your energy type but how you process interaction.

7. I mask in social settings and feel exhausted. Can that change?

Yes. Masking is often a survival strategy. Over time, counselling can support you in becoming more authentic and less drained.

8. Do I have to talk about my childhood?

Only if it’s relevant. Many social patterns do have early roots, but we begin with your current lived experience and go from there.

9. Is this a form of social skills coaching?

No. It’s not about learning how to act differently. It’s about meeting your current experience and understanding it deeply.

10. Can this help me feel less isolated?

Yes. Once your social fatigue or confusion is acknowledged, many patients begin to feel more at ease and open to connection again.

11. I’m fine one-on-one but freeze in groups. Can you help with that?

Yes. That’s a common sign of nervous system stress. We work gently to understand and support your system before forcing group exposure.

12. Is there a spiritual side to this counselling?

There can be. If you sense a connection between your inner life and your social discomfort, we can explore that safely.

13. Do you offer online sessions for this?

Yes. Many people who find in-person settings stressful begin with online sessions. It allows you to engage from a more comfortable space.

14. How do I book an appointment with Nathan Gurry?

You can book online or call (07) 3861 5881. Nathan sees patients at Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Wavell Heights) and via videoconference across Australia.

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Authors & Reviewers

Written by the Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

Written by the Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team in accordance with our Editorial Policy and Content Standards.

Reviewed by Our Practitioners

Expert Review by our qualified Practitioners at Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Wavell Heights) and Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Cannon Hill). Our articles are reviewed for accuracy, AHPRA compliance (for Allied Health Services) and alignment with current evidence and best practice under our Editorial Policy and Content Standards.