Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) occurs in about 7% of the adult population. It often begins to develop in adolescence and may last for a lifetime unless treated properly with cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medications. Those who suffer from SAD experience more than just feeling "shy." Shyness is a common and manageable emotion that most individuals have experienced at some time or another. It occurs when an individual initially feels uneasy or uncomfortable in a social situation, but then easily "warms up" and is able to fully participate in the situation or activity. SAD, however, prevents the individual from fully participating in and enjoying his or her life.

Individuals with SAD fear situations where there is a potential for embarrassment or humiliation of any kind. They ultimately fear being negatively judged by others. They may blush, tremble, have panic attacks, or cry when in social situations that make them uncomfortable. SAD can result in extreme avoidance and make attending classes, interviewing for jobs, socializing with friends or colleagues, dating, leaving the home, or shopping seems like insurmountable tasks. Common long-term effects such as under-education, under-employment, or unemployment can result when intense social anxiety prevents the individual from seeking employment or other opportunities for career advancement.

Fortunately, cognitive behavioral therapy and proper medications can help those who suffer from SAD develop and maintain comfort in the social world. Cognitive therapy helps challenge and replace the socially perfectionistic beliefs and misperceived expectations that make socializing difficult.  Exposure therapy and social skills practice help you learn that social situations are benign or even fun. Assertion training helps you learn how to handle the inevitable difficult social encounters that we all face without having to dread them. We have specialized experience helping those with SAD build social confidence and skills so that socializing comfortably no longer seems to be something that only others can achieve. We will help you practice real-life social situations, such as public speaking, introductions, conversations, and assertions.