Social anxiety is a common part of daily life for many people. When it interferes with one's capacity to maintain meaningful relationships, psychotherapy can help. I draw from relational, cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches to challenge patterns of avoidance related to social anxiety.
I work with clients who struggle with Social Anxiety and related issues. During our sessions, we will collaborate to create a plan for addressing them that helps you resolve such issues in a meaningful manner to restore functioning enabling and empowering you to move beyond your past. I practice from a Holistic perspective and commonly employ EMDR and other effective modalities with helping clients achieve balance and purpose in their lives and creative solutions to their problems. This includes exploring past issues and trauma that may be a factor presently.
In a secure atmosphere of trust & confidentiality, I help patients understand the obstacles interfering with reaching their potential & use those insights to enhance personal growth, self esteem, and fulfillment in life.
It's not always the lonely who have social anxiety (though that can be a symptom), It can look like avoiding friends and family, using substances to cope, or binge-watching shows because the world (and the people in it) can seem boringly terrifying. Trying to understand why and how to manage your social anxiety may even be anxiety-inducing! Therapy can help reduce the effects of social anxiety and uncover desire. Consider booking a free 30-minute consult to explore more.
Social anxiety has a way of existing even in the quiet moments. I work with clients to decrease ruminating thoughts, dwelling, and anxious/avoidance cycles. There are many ways we can approach your social anxiety - which may include changes in how you speak to yourself, how you engage/disengage with others, and how to work on staying connected throughout conversations. Our goal will be directly based on what is useful for you in decreasing your social anxiety.
As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in social anxiety, I offer compassionate and effective treatment for individuals struggling with this distressing condition. Social anxiety often leads to panic attacks, avoidance, and feelings of shame, which can result in social isolation and impact both personal and professional aspects of life. My approach, informed by evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is tailored to address the unique needs of each individual. I work to help clients overcome these challenges by providing practical tools and strategies to manage their anxiety and regain control of their lives.
My approach to working with social anxiety involves integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing (SE). ACT helps clients accept their social fears and anxieties without judgment, and commit to actions that reflect their values and goals. EMDR is used to process and resolve past traumatic experiences or negative social encounters that contribute to their anxiety, reducing the emotional intensity of these memories. SE addresses the physiological responses to social anxiety, helping clients release stored tension and regain a sense of calm and balance in social situations. This comprehensive approach supports clients in overcoming social anxiety, building confidence, and improving their overall quality of life.
Fears of what others think of you? Fears of walking in front of people, talking in front of people, or feeling like everyone is staring at you (even if on a logical level you know they are not)? Social anxiety is so real. And it can feel overwhelming. Not to mention, it can hold a person back in life from doing the things that bring you joy, or doing the things you know you need to do. I help women learn how to overcome the anxious thoughts that accompany social anxiety by offering a down to earth, realistic approach. We will examine and define the specific fears that may be happening for you, set realistic goals, and process through where these fears may be coming from--so you feel confident in getting your life back. Learn to tame the ever flowing thoughts and worries, find your inner peace, and gain mastery over combatting social anxiety with a provider who is invested in your wellness and sensitively helping you feel more capable and confident.
Social anxiety can hinder personal and professional growth by causing intense fear of social interactions. In our sessions, we focus on strategies to manage and reduce social anxiety, such as exposure therapy and social skills training. By addressing the root causes of your anxiety, we aim to help you engage more comfortably and confidently in social situations.
I have worked throughout my career to help individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) identify who and/or what contributes to their social anxiety. I help them subsequently identify what is in their control as they anticipate being in those settings in an effort to take the power away from what has historically contributed to their fears associated with their anxiety in those settings.