Social Anxiety
Our expert clinicians provide the latest evidence-based treatments for those struggling with Social Anxiety.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), or Social Phobia, is characterized by excessive fear and inhibition associated with social situations, including fears of interacting with, performing before, or being observed by other people. Social inhibition, characterized by feelings of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, is common and can have devastating effects on relationships, careers, and quality of life.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Social Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for social anxiety. Clinicians at Reeds offer CBT treatment for SAD to support teaching individuals to change the way they think about social interactions through cognitive reframing and testing and disconfirming their beliefs about feared consequences through graduated exposure to social situations. Exposure is done with the support of a Reeds therapist who helps the person to plan and manage their anxiety during each exposure.
FAQs
Medication can be a valuable tool in the treatment of SAD, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. While CBT is often the first-line treatment for SAD, medication can provide additional support in managing symptoms.
Medication can be a valuable tool in the treatment of SAD, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. While CBT is often the first-line treatment for SAD, medication can provide additional support in managing symptoms.
Engaging in exposures can be a challenging and anxiety-provoking experience, especially for individuals with SAD. However, exposures are an essential component of CBT and can be highly effective in reducing social anxiety over time. Therapists at Reeds will work with clients to approach exposures collaboratively, creating a hierarchy of anxiety-inducing situations and gradually working through them. With commitment, patience, and the support of their therapist, clients can make significant progress in reducing social anxiety and leading a more fulfilling life.
Engaging in exposures can be a challenging and anxiety-provoking experience, especially for individuals with SAD. However, exposures are an essential component of CBT and can be highly effective in reducing social anxiety over time. Therapists at Reeds will work with clients to approach exposures collaboratively, creating a hierarchy of anxiety-inducing situations and gradually working through them. With commitment, patience, and the support of their therapist, clients can make significant progress in reducing social anxiety and leading a more fulfilling life.