Social Phobia Treated Through CBT
What Is Social Phobia?
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a persistent and overwhelming fear of social situations. It goes beyond shyness or occasional nerves, leading to significant distress and avoidance behaviours. People with social phobia may:
- Experience intense anxiety before social events, sometimes weeks in advance.
- Fear embarrassment so deeply that they avoid triggering situations altogether.
- Limit their activities, decline invitations, and feel isolated.
- Stay quiet or blend into the background to avoid drawing attention.
- Depend on having someone accompany them to social events.
- Use alcohol to manage nerves before social situations.
These feelings often come with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shaking, sweating, nausea, headaches, or shortness of breath, making social interactions feel overwhelming.
Symptoms of Social Phobia
Social phobia can manifest in many ways, including:
- Feeling that others are judging you negatively or watching you critically.
- Intense fear of being embarrassed in public.
- A strong urge to avoid situations where attention is on you.
- Physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, stomach pain, or a tight chest.
These symptoms can severely impact your confidence and quality of life, but they are manageable with the right support.
If you’d like to discuss your concerns or book an appointment, call us on 0114 383 0004.
How Can Therapy Help?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for social phobia. Working with your therapist, you’ll explore the thought patterns and behaviours that fuel your anxiety. Therapy helps you:
- Gradually face social situations in a safe and structured way.
- Challenge negative beliefs about yourself and how others perceive you.
- Learn strategies to reduce anxiety and improve your confidence.
Through consistent practice and support, you can start to feel more at ease in social settings and enjoy a fuller, more connected life.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Social phobia treatment typically involves 8 to 12 sessions. During therapy, you and your therapist will set personalised goals and work together at a pace that feels manageable for you.
For additional information, you can visit the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines on social anxiety at www.nice.org.uk.
If you’d like to discuss your concerns or book an appointment, call us on 0114 383 0004.
Further information regarding Social Phobia can be found at www.nice.org.uk