Social Anxiety PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING ONLINE

Social anxiety is more common than many people realise. If you’re struggling with it, talking with a qualified therapist can make a real difference.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder (sometimes called social phobia) is a long-lasting and overwhelming fear of social situations. It often begins in teenage years and, while some people improve with age, many find it doesn’t go away on its own.

This is more than shyness. Social anxiety is an intense, persistent fear that affects your confidence, relationships, work, and everyday activities. People with social anxiety often worry excessively before, during, and after social interactions.

You may have social anxiety if you:

• Dread everyday activities like meeting new people, speaking on the phone, or shopping
• Avoid social activities such as group conversations, eating with others, or parties
• Constantly worry about embarrassment (blushing, sweating, appearing incompetent)
• Find it hard to act when others are watching, feeling judged at all times
• Fear criticism, avoid eye contact, or struggle with low self-esteem
• Experience physical symptoms like nausea, trembling, sweating, or a racing heartbeat
• Have panic attacks in social situations
• Can’t make yourself see friends, even when you want to

Social anxiety can also overlap with other issues such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, or body image concerns. Left untreated, it can be very distressing and significantly limit your life.

How Can Therapy Help?

Talking therapies are highly effective in treating social anxiety. In therapy, we will:

• Identify unhelpful thought patterns about social situations
• Explore avoidance behaviours that maintain the anxiety
• Develop practical strategies to manage symptoms and build confidence
• Gradually address longer-term causes, which may go back to childhood or past experiences

With support, you can reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and enjoy social situations without fear dominating your life.

Take the First Step

I offer all new clients a free, no-obligation initial consultation. This gives you the chance to talk through your experiences, ask questions, and see if therapy feels right for you.

Contact me today to arrange your free trial session and start moving towards a more confident, fulfilling life.