Social Phobia
Most people feel nervous or shy in some social situations. The majority of us manage to get through these uncomfortable moments unscathed. People with social phobia (or social anxiety disorder, as it is sometimes called), however, worry about future social events for weeks before they happen. The strong and irrational fear of being judged by others or of being embarrassed impairs the ability to function in at least some parts of daily life. Social phobia sometimes runs in families and often starts during childhood. A mental health professional can be helpful in coping with both normal feelings of social anxiety and social phobia that gets in the way of your life. While the exact causes of social phobia vary from person to person, a therapist can work with you to identify possible triggers.
Local experts in Social Phobia
Elizabeth Sokolowski, PhD (She/They)
Clinical Psychologist
PhD
I help clients reduce the intensity of their social anxiety and gain confidence through CBT, mindfulness skills and exposure activities. Sessions may focus upon identifying unhelpful belief systems, exploring originating traumas, learning mindfulness skills, and developing alternative thoughts to try-out during the week as homework.
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Cory Anton
Licensed Professional Counselor
Second guessing yourself, worried about people judging you, difficulty ordering for yourself or speaking in public? You may be experiencing social anxiety (social phobia). Social anxiety can take many forms and you may be experiencing it even if you consider yourself extroverted or have many close friends. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you work through these worries and build resilience.
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Jenny Labrousse
Licensed Professional Counselor
Social phobia can be exhausting, with a fear of being observed, having a conversation, meeting unfamiliar people, or performing in front of others. Utilizing evidence-based treatment, I help clients overcome their social anxiety. You can heal and live a life of peace.
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Myles Rizvi (He/him)
Clinical Psychologist
PsyD
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, was my first clinical and research interest and inspired me to dedicate myself to specializing in anxiety treatment. I have had considerable experience treating this disorder throughout my training and professional career.
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Katie Clark, LMHC, LPC (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor
NCC
Methods of treatment used are evidence-based, supported by research, and by the American Psychological Association (APA). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention are the most scientifically supported methods of treating social anxiety, so are the main methods I use in working with clients.
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Henry Cameron (He/Him)
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC
Introverts, perpetual shyness, social avoidance. These topics are more and more commonplace in our social media obsessed culture. Learning to practice self care and developing a nuanced understanding of our social triggers is a survival skill in itself.
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Tate Sprite (they/them)
Professional Counselor Associate
Naropa University, MA Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
I work especially with people who experience this sometimes paralyzing fear of being seen by others. I mainly support them to develop self-compassion, put their inner critic in its proper place, learn mindfulness and somatic awareness, participate in new and positive experiences of relationship, hold their right boundaries, know who they are, connect to their voice, take safe risks, and be authentic. In working with me, they develop a new relationship to themselves, others, and the world.
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