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Understanding Social Anxiety

Jenny Beckman

Social anxiety affects many people. While we can all feel nervous in some social situations social anxiety can influence day-to-day life and interactions and can be extremely painful.



What Is Social Anxiety?


Social anxiety, or social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations. This fear often leads to avoidance, making it challenging to participate in routine activities like going to school, work, or meeting friends.

Common symptoms include:

  • Excessive worry about social interactions.

  • Fear of judgment or criticism.

  • Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat.

  • Avoidance of social situations or enduring them with extreme discomfort.


Different Types of Social Anxiety


Generalized social anxiety can affect nearly all social interactions. If you have this type of social anxiety, you may experience fear, nervousness and self-consciousness in different settings, including:

  • Engaging in small talk with acquaintances or strangers.

  • Attending social gatherings or events.

  • Eating or drinking in public.

  • Making phone calls or communicating with people whilst out and about.

This anxiety is often rooted in a persistent fear of being judged, rejected, or embarrassed. As a result, you may avoid these situations entirely or endure them, but with significant distress. Over time, you tend to avoid more and more activities, the anxiety becomes greater and can lead to feelings of isolation and severely limit your life.



Performance-based social anxiety, is situation-specific and arises in situations where you may feel you are being observed or evaluated. Common triggers include:

  • Public speaking, such as giving a presentation or speech.

  • Performing on stage, such as in a play, concert, or sports event.

  • Attending job interviews or participating in group discussions.

  • Taking tests or being assessed in any way.


This social anxiety is often characterized by an intense fear of making mistakes or not meeting perceived expectations, leading to physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or a racing heart. While the fear may dissipate once the situation ends, the anticipation of such events can cause days or weeks of anxiety.

Both types of social anxiety can severely impact one’s quality of life, but the good news is that therapy can provide practical tools and strategies to manage and overcome these challenges.


How Therapy Can Help


The good news is that social anxiety is highly treatable, and therapy plays a crucial role in managing and overcoming it. Here are a few of the most common types of therapy that can help:


Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety. It helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier, more balanced perspectives.


Exposure Therapy

This approach gradually introduces individuals to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled and safe manner, reducing fear over time, taking expansive steps as you gradually increase your comfort zone.


Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Learning to stay present and calm during anxious moments can be transformative. Techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises and meditation are often introduced to offer a toolkit of coping techniques.


Psychodynamic Therapy

This form of therapy explores the root causes of social anxiety, helping clients understand the underlying issues and work through them.


The Role of a Therapist


As a trained psychotherapist, I work with clients to create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can explore their feelings and build confidence in social situations. I tailor my sessions to individual needs, ensuring you feel supported and empowered throughout your journey.

If social anxiety is holding you back, remember help is available. Reaching out for support is the first step towards reclaiming control and living a fulfilling life.


If you want a free introductory call, you can contact me by clicking here.

Don’t suffer in silence.

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