Friendships in transition: This is how friendship therapy is becoming the new trend

?POV: You Protected Your Peace Too Much and You Only Hang Out with Your Mom.? These viral TikTok clips speak to many people's hearts: more and more people are withdrawing from friendships as soon as they become stressful or conflicts arise. Instead of facing difficult moments, this withdrawal behavior results in the loss of valuable relationships. This is where a new concept comes in: friendship therapy.

Friendships can be perceived as an extension of the family? for some they are even their chosen family. The therapist Sharon Brehm, who offers friendship therapy in her practice, describes it like this: “Friendships have a lot to do with connection and understanding. Above all, we want to be understood in these relationships? That is the central point.? This type of relationship provides space to express yourself authentically, perhaps even more so than in romantic relationships. “In friendships we have an even stronger need to be ourselves,” explains Brehm.

At the same time, there are fewer fixed rules there, as we know them from romantic relationships. “There are no formal steps like 'officially dating' or anniversaries that are celebrated. Friendships develop more organically and often they dissolve gradually? without a formal separation meeting? says the expert. However, these fluid segments can lead to misunderstandings and unspoken conflicts that strain the relationship over time.

Although friendships have immense importance for our well-being, they are vulnerable to the changes that life brings. New jobs, relationships or moves can change the dynamics of a friendship. What was once effortless suddenly feels distant? Meetings become less frequent, messages go unanswered and there is a feeling that the once deep connection is beginning to crumble.

Sharon Brehm emphasizes: "Many friendships don't break down because of big conflicts, but because of the little things that aren't addressed." These quiet tensions can cause two people to grow further and further apart without really understanding why. This is where friendship therapy comes into play.

Friendship therapy offers a safe space in which both sides can share their perspectives and work through unspoken conflicts. “It’s about overcoming emotional distance and healing old injuries,” explains Brehm. “Sometimes it’s enough to have a neutral person who mediates and helps you find the right words.” While couples therapy has long been established, friendship therapy is still in its early stages? but she could soon find more recognition.

The therapeutic support aims to understand the dynamics in the friendship and find solutions to existing conflicts. Like romantic relationships, it's about rediscovering each other and determining what brought the friendship together in the first place. Brehm sees this as an important step towards revitalizing and strengthening friendships.

Friendships are not only valuable connections, they offer us the chance to better understand ourselves and others. Even if friendship therapy is not mandatory, it can make many things easier and even open up new perspectives. “Therapy is an invitation,” explains Sharon Brehm. "It's about clarifying misunderstandings and finding ways to strengthen relationships."

And even if you're not ready to take this step yet, self-reflection can be the start of positive change. Taking responsibility, dealing honestly with your own feelings and remaining open can be the key to rekindling a friendship. Sometimes all it takes is a little courage to rediscover the connection and make it stronger than ever.