Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) Counseling
Social Anxiety is an irrational anxiety or fear of social interactions. It is characterized by excessive fear, discomfort, anxiety, and self-consciousness in social settings. Common triggers may include eating in front of people, speaking in public, talking to strangers, going on dates, meeting new people, interviewing for a job, going to a shopping mall, going to work or school, making phone calls in public, using public restrooms, or filling up gas in the car. The individual may avoid the above situations, isolate themselves, refrain from activities due to fear of embarrassment, or use/abuse substances.
Criteria for Social Anxiety include the following:
- A fear of one or more social or performance situations when the person is exposed to unfamiliar people, or the think they will be judged, criticized, or scrutinized by others. They fear they will act in a way (or show anxiety symptoms) that is embarrassing and humiliating.
- Exposure to a feared situation almost inevitably provokes anxiety, which may take the form of a situationally bound or predisposed panic attack.
- The person recognizes this fear is unreasonable or excessive
- Feared situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety and distress
The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared social or performance situation(s) interferes significantly with one’s normal routine, occupational or academic functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia
Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on challenging and changing ones thoughts, building confidence, changing habitual and behavioral responses, and relaxation training. Medication combined with CBT has the most beneficial outcome.
Our clinicians are trained and have experience in treating Social Anxiety Disorder using these evidence-based treatments.
Contact our office at (847) 461-8414