Social Anxiety
The person with social anxiety has an intense dread
of social situations. They try to avoid situations where they might be
judged negatively by others. They fear they will act in a way that will
be embarrassing or humiliating.
People with social anxiety often feel caught
in a vicious cycle. They anticipate being embarrassed in social
situations. Such negative expectations trigger anxiety symptoms, such as
sweating or blushing. These symptoms then become the focus of their
fear and they shy away from situations that might elicit these
uncomfortable sensations.
Cognitive
Therapy for Social Anxiety
There are three components in the treatment of
social anxiety. We help individuals re-evaluate the thoughts that
accompany feared social interactions. (e.g. “I will make a fool of
myself”, “Everyone will see how anxious I am”) We then help people take
on social situations gradually so they become more comfortable in
situations that have frightened them. Finally, we teach anxiety
management techniques, such as relaxation skills and attention control
skills.
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