Social Anxiety 

Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is a common and serious mental health condition characterised by an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. It often affects how you think, feel, and behave in social interactions and can significantly interfere with your ability to function in everyday life. Symptoms of social anxiety can vary but commonly include:

• Intense fear of social or performance situations
• Excessive worry about upcoming social events
• Avoidance of social interactions or enduring them with great distress
• Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, blushing, or nausea
• Rapid heartbeat or difficulty speaking in social settings
• Negative self-perception and fear of being negatively evaluated by others
• Difficulty making eye contact or speaking in public
• Extreme self-consciousness in everyday social situations

Social anxiety can affect anyone, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals with social anxiety can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How can CBT treat Social Anxiety?

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach for treating social anxiety. In CBT sessions, individuals learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their anxiety in social situations. Through guided exercises and techniques, clients develop new coping strategies and skills to manage their anxiety more effectively. Additionally, CBT helps individuals gradually expose themselves to feared social situations in a supportive environment, allowing them to confront and overcome their fears. By addressing both the cognitive and behavioural aspects of social anxiety, CBT empowers clients to regain control over their lives and build confidence in social settings.