Social anxiety disorder is characterised by intense fear or nervousness in social situations, often driven by the worry of being judged, embarrassed, or not meeting expectations. This type of anxiety can lead to avoidance of social interactions, which can negatively impact relationships, work, and overall well-being. People with social anxiety may fear being the centre of attention, worry about saying something wrong, or feel overly self-conscious about how they are perceived by others.

Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety:

• Intense fear of being judged or criticised in social situations
• Worrying excessively about upcoming social events
• Avoidance of social gatherings or public speaking
• Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, blushing, or a racing heart in social situations
• Difficulty making eye contact or engaging in conversations
• Over thinking or replaying social interactions after they occur
• Fear of embarrassment or making mistakes in front of others

How Social Anxiety Makes You Feel:

Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming. Even seemingly simple situations, like meeting new people or attending a party, can trigger intense feelings of dread or self-consciousness. This constant fear of being judged or rejected often leads to social withdrawal, leaving individuals feeling isolated, lonely, or disconnected. The constant worry can also lead to self-criticism, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence in social settings.

How CBT Can Help:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that can significantly reduce the symptoms of social anxiety. CBT works by helping you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel your anxiety. These distorted beliefs often lead you to overestimate the likelihood of negative outcomes in social situations, which in turn heightens anxiety.

Through CBT, you will learn to re frame your thoughts and adopt healthier perspectives on social interactions. You will also work on gradually facing feared social situations in a safe and controlled way through exposure techniques, helping you build confidence and reduce avoidance. Additionally, CBT teaches relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, and strategies to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid breathing or tension.

Benefits of CBT for Social Anxiety:

• Identifying and challenging negative, self-critical thoughts
• Reducing avoidance of social situations and building confidence
• Developing strategies to manage physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., sweating, trembling)
• Learning relaxation techniques to stay calm in social settings
• Gaining confidence in your ability to interact with others
• Improving social skills and reducing fear of judgment or criticism

CBT is a highly effective, structured approach to overcoming social anxiety. It equips you with the tools and techniques necessary to break free from the cycle of worry and avoidance, enabling you to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations. If you’re ready to take the first step toward overcoming social anxiety, book a free consultation today to explore how CBT can help you build lasting confidence.