Therapy for Jealousy

What is Jealousy?​

Jealousy is a complex emotional response that arises when we perceive a threat to something we value — often love, attention, or belonging. It’s not just about “envy” or wanting what others have; jealousy involves fear of losing connection or worth.

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Jealousy can be closely tied to attachment styles — people who have experienced insecurity or inconsistency in relationships may be more prone to feeling jealous or fearful of abandonment.

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Common Signs of Jealousy​

• Overthinking or comparing yourself to others

• Feeling anxious or suspicious in relationships

• Seeking reassurance or control

• Guilt or shame about your reactions

• Difficulty trusting or feeling “secure enough”

• Emotional ups and downs tied to others’ attention or approval

 

Jealousy can feel intense, but it’s not a character flaw. It’s a signal that something in you needs attention, healing, or care.

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How Does Jealousy Develop?​

Jealousy often develops from a mix of early experiences, personality patterns, and current stressors. Common contributing factors include:

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• Fear of abandonment or rejection

• Low self-esteem or comparison

• Past experiences of betrayal or inconsistency

• Unmet emotional needs

• Attachment wounds from childhood or previous relationships

 

Therapy helps you move beyond managing jealousy on the surface, toward understanding and healing the roots of what fuels it.

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When Should I Seek Therapy For Jealousy?​​

While occasional jealousy is completely normal, you might benefit from therapy if jealousy is:

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• Causing strain in your relationships

• Making you feel anxious or ashamed

• Leading to arguments, withdrawal, or control

• Stopping you from feeling secure or joyful in love and friendship

 

Therapy can help you move from reacting to understanding — and from self-criticism to self-compassion.

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How Can Reclaim Psychotherapy Help?

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At Reclaim Psychotherapy, we work collaboratively to help you understand and regulate jealousy with empathy, insight, and emotional skill-building.

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We may draw from:

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• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps you identify and process the vulnerable emotions beneath jealousy (like fear or sadness).

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Encourages self-kindness and helps shift from shame to understanding.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds awareness of your values and teaches you to respond to jealousy without judgment.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps challenge unhelpful beliefs that feed insecurity or control.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT): Teaches grounding and awareness to reduce reactivity.

 

Through therapy, you can learn to trust yourself, feel secure in your relationships, and transform jealousy into self-awareness and connection.

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