First, I do think that a therapist is the right way to start to change what you want to change. That said, I will give my unprofessional opinion on the chance

First, I do think that a therapist is the right way to start to change what you want to change. That said, I will give my unprofessional opinion on the chance is the insight you need. I think human connection through a community will help you more than through dating. Go on a quest on the internet to find those people that you enjoy hanging around and, with time, you would feel comfortable sharing these feelings without a throwaway account, even if you never do actually share. Just try to find people that makes you feel better, not worse, when you are with them. Could work colleagues, board game enthusiasts, fellow students in a creative writing class, some online game, book club, running club, anything. Go explore and keep trying until you find your tribe.