There are a number of social situations where people experience anxiety. These include public speaking, meeting new people, being at parties, asking for dates, eating in public, using public restrooms, speaking to people of authority, and disagreeing with others. Having a touch of anxiety in these situations can be useful and may actually improve performance. For example, when it comes to public speaking, anxiety in the right amount can motivate people to the point where they are well prepared.
On the other hand, having too much anxiety in social situations can have the opposite effect. It can be so intense and uncomfortable that it makes it hard to function well. Understandably, people may begin to avoid the anxiety provoking social situations altogether. They may stop asking questions in class, of certain people at work, or severely limit their overall social interactions. To varying degrees, social anxiety can make it difficult for people to reach their life goals. Around 4 million people struggle with significant social anxiety.
At our Center we offer a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been specifically developed for social anxiety. It is a relatively brief therapy and has been shown to be highly effective. It is possible to combine this treatment with other types of therapy. For those coming to our center already in treatment, it can serve as a useful addition.