Therapy for Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is complex and needs to be assessed to diagnose, but these are some common symptoms. Common signs include:-Fear of being judged-Overthinking conversations-Avoiding social situations-Physical anxiety symptoms-Relief when plans are canceled-Replaying interactions afterward

Introverts tend to need to recharge alone, as being around others can drain their energy, but not because they are anxious. People with social anxiety often resort to isolation because the anxiety is what drains their energy, not necessarily other people. What drains the socially anxious is their fear of judgement, social hyper-vigilance and fear of rejection.

Oftentimes people with social anxiety are hyper-focused on self-monitoring and have a deep fear of rejection. Our anxiety works to try to protect us from being rejected by engaging in social hyper-vigilance- always evaluating our behavior to hopefully lead to less rejection. This can work in the short-term, but leaves you feeling like you’re not being yourself. And if others do accept you, you’re not sure they even really know the real you, so the acceptance feels artificial and dissatisfying. In therapy I️ teach you how to interrupt the cycle so you’re not on high alert when socializing and can start to enjoy those experiences instead of scanning for threat of rejection. Then you can show up authentically and be accepted for who you really are, which is much more meaningful.

Yes, I️ work with clients specifically to prepare them with tools for social settings in and outside the workplace. We role-play in session and prepare you by equipping you with language, tone, body language cues, positive self-talk, and nervous system regulation strategies for a variety of social environments. This can look like preparing for a date, a party, a family gathering, a work meeting, a presentation, a hard conversation with a romantic partner, a conflictual conversation, meeting someone new, etc.

My approach works in two parts:I️ equip my clients with the right tools so they can start feeling a shift in their social anxiety the second they leave my office. I️ want each session to feel impactful and for you to leave feeling more prepared for any environment you’re in. I️ give homework so you can practice these skills between sessions- at home, at work, in the Orange County and Irvine community, etc.I️ explore with clients the origin of their social anxiety looking at what led them to this state of intense hyper-vigilance around others, self-doubt and social paralysis. We look at larger themes from your childhood, your recent experiences, and personality structure. That way we can work to un-learn what led you here.I️ empower clients to be themselves and own their strengths as well as their quirks. I️ help clients get comfortable sharing more about themselves and owning who they are without fear of judgement. I️ help clients radically accept themselves and the nature of socializing that is sometimes awkward or difficult for all of us. I️ help clients normalize that it’s okay to feel anxiety sometimes, but to not allow it to overtake us and our experiences.