About emotional dependency
Emotional dependency shows as an intense fear of abandonment, needing constant approval or staying in relationships that cause harm. Therapy works on self-esteem, boundaries and the patterns learned in previous relationships.
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Malta
Public health system · Mental Health Services (Ministry for Health)
Public mental health care is free. Community Mental Health Teams and rehabilitation centres provide outpatient care, usually after referral by a GP, and inpatient care is at Mount Carmel Hospital, which is being replaced by an acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Malta Psychology Profession Board. The title of psychologist is protected under the Psychology Profession Act (Cap. 471); only people holding a warrant from the Board may use it. Check the Board's published register of warranted psychologists. Search the official register
- Psychotherapy Profession Board. Psychotherapists need a warrant issued by the Psychotherapy Profession Board. Search the official register
- Medical Council Malta. Psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Council and listed in its specialist register for psychiatry. Search the official register
Urgent help in Malta
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 1579 · Mental Health Helpline 1579
- 179 · Supportline 179
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: servizz.gov.mt, servizz.gov.mt, mentalhealthservices.gov.mt, medicalcouncil.gov.mt
Signs to look out for
Wanting closeness is human. It may be emotional dependency when your well-being depends almost entirely on one person, you feel intense anxiety at the thought of losing them, you constantly seek reassurance, give up your own needs, friends or interests to keep the relationship, or stay in relationships that hurt you because being alone feels unbearable. It can happen with partners, family or friends.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists and psychotherapists can help you understand where these patterns come from and build a more secure sense of self. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), schema therapy, attachment-focused and psychodynamic approaches are often used, as well as work on self-esteem, assertiveness and boundaries. If the relationship involves control or abuse, specialised support services can also help.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in a relationship where you are threatened, controlled, harmed or afraid, and you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services. Specialised domestic violence services can help you plan for safety. Seek urgent help too if the fear of losing someone, or a breakup, leads to thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to rebuild areas of your life that do not depend on one person: friendships, hobbies, time alone and personal goals. Notice when you seek reassurance and practise tolerating a little uncertainty. Writing about your feelings can help you recognise patterns. Lean on people who respect you, and look for reliable information on healthy relationships and warning signs of control.
What does a therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Malta cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is free. Community Mental Health Teams and rehabilitation centres provide outpatient care, usually after referral by a GP, and inpatient care is at Mount Carmel Hospital, which is being replaced by an acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in Malta?
Malta Psychology Profession Board: The title of psychologist is protected under the Psychology Profession Act (Cap. 471); only people holding a warrant from the Board may use it. Check the Board's published register of warranted psychologists.