Understanding
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than just shyness or nervousness in social situations. It's an intense, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others.
Understanding
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than just shyness or nervousness in social situations. It's an intense, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others.
Understanding
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than just shyness or nervousness in social situations. It's an intense, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others.
What does Social Anxiety feel like?
Living with social anxiety often feels like being constantly under a spotlight, with every interaction feeling like a performance where you might be found lacking. You may spend hours beforehand worrying about upcoming social events, replaying conversations in your mind, or avoiding social situations altogether to prevent the intense discomfort.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany these mental experiences - your face might flush, hands tremble, or voice shake when speaking to others. Many people describe feeling frozen or tongue-tied in social situations, leading to a cycle of avoidance that can result in isolation, missed opportunities, and reduced quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Intense fear of judgment or criticism from others
Blushing, sweating, or trembling in social situations
Difficulty making eye contact or speaking up
Avoiding social events, meetings, or gatherings
Physical symptoms like nausea or rapid heartbeat before social interactions
Overthinking conversations and social interactions afterward
Fear of eating, drinking, or performing tasks
Extreme self-consciousness and fear of embarrassment
What does Social Anxiety feel like?
Living with social anxiety often feels like being constantly under a spotlight, with every interaction feeling like a performance where you might be found lacking. You may spend hours beforehand worrying about upcoming social events, replaying conversations in your mind, or avoiding social situations altogether to prevent the intense discomfort.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany these mental experiences - your face might flush, hands tremble, or voice shake when speaking to others. Many people describe feeling frozen or tongue-tied in social situations, leading to a cycle of avoidance that can result in isolation, missed opportunities, and reduced quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Intense fear of judgment or criticism from others
Blushing, sweating, or trembling in social situations
Difficulty making eye contact or speaking up
Avoiding social events, meetings, or gatherings
Physical symptoms like nausea or rapid heartbeat before social interactions
Overthinking conversations and social interactions afterward
Fear of eating, drinking, or performing tasks
Extreme self-consciousness and fear of embarrassment
What does Social Anxiety feel like?
Living with social anxiety often feels like being constantly under a spotlight, with every interaction feeling like a performance where you might be found lacking. You may spend hours beforehand worrying about upcoming social events, replaying conversations in your mind, or avoiding social situations altogether to prevent the intense discomfort.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany these mental experiences - your face might flush, hands tremble, or voice shake when speaking to others. Many people describe feeling frozen or tongue-tied in social situations, leading to a cycle of avoidance that can result in isolation, missed opportunities, and reduced quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Intense fear of judgment or criticism from others
Blushing, sweating, or trembling in social situations
Difficulty making eye contact or speaking up
Avoiding social events, meetings, or gatherings
Physical symptoms like nausea or rapid heartbeat before social interactions
Overthinking conversations and social interactions afterward
Fear of eating, drinking, or performing tasks
Extreme self-consciousness and fear of embarrassment
History of Social Anxiety
The understanding of social anxiety has evolved from being dismissed as simple shyness to recognition as a legitimate and treatable mental health condition.
1980s
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) was officially included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, establishing it as a recognized mental health condition requiring professional treatment.
1990s
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) was officially included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, establishing it as a recognized mental health condition requiring professional treatment.
1990s
Large-scale research studies revealed social anxiety as one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people and significantly impacting quality of life.
Present
Modern treatment approaches combine cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure techniques, and when appropriate, medication, with research showing highly effective outcomes for most people seeking treatment.
History of Social Anxiety
The understanding of social anxiety has evolved from being dismissed as simple shyness to recognition as a legitimate and treatable mental health condition.
1980s
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) was officially included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, establishing it as a recognized mental health condition requiring professional treatment.
1990s
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) was officially included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, establishing it as a recognized mental health condition requiring professional treatment.
1990s
Large-scale research studies revealed social anxiety as one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people and significantly impacting quality of life.
Present
Modern treatment approaches combine cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure techniques, and when appropriate, medication, with research showing highly effective outcomes for most people seeking treatment.
History of Social Anxiety
The understanding of social anxiety has evolved from being dismissed as simple shyness to recognition as a legitimate and treatable mental health condition.
1980s
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) was officially included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, establishing it as a recognized mental health condition requiring professional treatment.
1990s
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) was officially included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, establishing it as a recognized mental health condition requiring professional treatment.
1990s
Large-scale research studies revealed social anxiety as one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people and significantly impacting quality of life.
Present
Modern treatment approaches combine cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure techniques, and when appropriate, medication, with research showing highly effective outcomes for most people seeking treatment.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer based on the last 2 weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test screens for social anxiety over the last 2 weeks. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, have proven highly effective for treating social anxiety. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify and challenge the thoughts that fuel social fears, develop practical skills for managing anxiety in social situations, and gradually build confidence through supported exposure to feared scenarios.
Therapists also integrate mindfulness techniques, social skills training, and relaxation strategies to provide comprehensive tools for managing social anxiety and building lasting confidence in social interactions.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn to identify and challenge negative social thoughts
Develop practical coping strategies for social situations
Build confidence through gradual, supported exposure
Improve communication and social skills
Reduce physical symptoms of anxiety
Overcome avoidance patterns and social isolation
Develop realistic perspectives about social interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about social anxiety and treatment
How is social anxiety different from being shy or introverted?
While shyness and introversion are personality traits, social anxiety is a mental health condition that causes significant distress and impairment. Shy or introverted people may prefer smaller groups but can function normally in social situations when needed. Social anxiety involves intense fear and often complete avoidance of social situations, significantly impacting daily life.
Can social anxiety develop later in life?
Yes, while social anxiety often begins in childhood or adolescence, it can develop at any age. Life changes, traumatic experiences, or increased social pressures can trigger social anxiety in adults who previously felt comfortable in social situations.
How long does it take to see improvement in social anxiety?
Many people notice some improvement within 6-8 sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 12-20 weeks of consistent therapy. However, timeline varies based on severity, individual factors, and commitment to practicing skills outside of sessions.
What if I'm too anxious to even start therapy?
This is a common concern, and therapists who specialize in social anxiety understand this challenge. Many offer phone consultations first, and sessions can be adapted to your comfort level, starting with less challenging therapeutic exercises and building up gradually.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, have proven highly effective for treating social anxiety. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify and challenge the thoughts that fuel social fears, develop practical skills for managing anxiety in social situations, and gradually build confidence through supported exposure to feared scenarios.
Therapists also integrate mindfulness techniques, social skills training, and relaxation strategies to provide comprehensive tools for managing social anxiety and building lasting confidence in social interactions.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn to identify and challenge negative social thoughts
Develop practical coping strategies for social situations
Build confidence through gradual, supported exposure
Improve communication and social skills
Reduce physical symptoms of anxiety
Overcome avoidance patterns and social isolation
Develop realistic perspectives about social interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about social anxiety and treatment
How is social anxiety different from being shy or introverted?
While shyness and introversion are personality traits, social anxiety is a mental health condition that causes significant distress and impairment. Shy or introverted people may prefer smaller groups but can function normally in social situations when needed. Social anxiety involves intense fear and often complete avoidance of social situations, significantly impacting daily life.
Can social anxiety develop later in life?
Yes, while social anxiety often begins in childhood or adolescence, it can develop at any age. Life changes, traumatic experiences, or increased social pressures can trigger social anxiety in adults who previously felt comfortable in social situations.
How long does it take to see improvement in social anxiety?
Many people notice some improvement within 6-8 sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 12-20 weeks of consistent therapy. However, timeline varies based on severity, individual factors, and commitment to practicing skills outside of sessions.
What if I'm too anxious to even start therapy?
This is a common concern, and therapists who specialize in social anxiety understand this challenge. Many offer phone consultations first, and sessions can be adapted to your comfort level, starting with less challenging therapeutic exercises and building up gradually.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, have proven highly effective for treating social anxiety. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify and challenge the thoughts that fuel social fears, develop practical skills for managing anxiety in social situations, and gradually build confidence through supported exposure to feared scenarios.
Therapists also integrate mindfulness techniques, social skills training, and relaxation strategies to provide comprehensive tools for managing social anxiety and building lasting confidence in social interactions.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn to identify and challenge negative social thoughts
Develop practical coping strategies for social situations
Build confidence through gradual, supported exposure
Improve communication and social skills
Reduce physical symptoms of anxiety
Overcome avoidance patterns and social isolation
Develop realistic perspectives about social interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about social anxiety and treatment
How is social anxiety different from being shy or introverted?
While shyness and introversion are personality traits, social anxiety is a mental health condition that causes significant distress and impairment. Shy or introverted people may prefer smaller groups but can function normally in social situations when needed. Social anxiety involves intense fear and often complete avoidance of social situations, significantly impacting daily life.
Can social anxiety develop later in life?
Yes, while social anxiety often begins in childhood or adolescence, it can develop at any age. Life changes, traumatic experiences, or increased social pressures can trigger social anxiety in adults who previously felt comfortable in social situations.
How long does it take to see improvement in social anxiety?
Many people notice some improvement within 6-8 sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 12-20 weeks of consistent therapy. However, timeline varies based on severity, individual factors, and commitment to practicing skills outside of sessions.
What if I'm too anxious to even start therapy?
This is a common concern, and therapists who specialize in social anxiety understand this challenge. Many offer phone consultations first, and sessions can be adapted to your comfort level, starting with less challenging therapeutic exercises and building up gradually.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
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Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)