Understanding
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised. It can affect work, school, and relationships, leading to avoidance and distress.
What does social anxiety feel like?
You may feel intense nervousness before or during social situations, worry about being embarrassed, or experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a racing heart. Avoiding social events or interactions is common.
How to overcome social anxiety with therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment, helping you challenge negative thoughts and gradually face feared situations. Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs may be prescribed for persistent symptoms. Support groups and self-help resources can also be helpful.
Through social anxiety counselling, you can:
Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about social situations
Practise social skills and exposure to feared events
Learn relaxation and coping techniques
Improve confidence and daily functioning
Step-by-step guide to managing social anxiety
Recognise triggers: Identify situations that cause anxiety.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist experienced in social anxiety.
Engage in CBT: Work on exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Consider medication: Discuss options with your doctor if needed.
Practise skills: Use relaxation and assertiveness techniques.
Understanding
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised. It can affect work, school, and relationships, leading to avoidance and distress.
What does social anxiety feel like?
You may feel intense nervousness before or during social situations, worry about being embarrassed, or experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a racing heart. Avoiding social events or interactions is common.
How to overcome social anxiety with therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment, helping you challenge negative thoughts and gradually face feared situations. Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs may be prescribed for persistent symptoms. Support groups and self-help resources can also be helpful.
Through social anxiety counselling, you can:
Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about social situations
Practise social skills and exposure to feared events
Learn relaxation and coping techniques
Improve confidence and daily functioning
Step-by-step guide to managing social anxiety
Recognise triggers: Identify situations that cause anxiety.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist experienced in social anxiety.
Engage in CBT: Work on exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Consider medication: Discuss options with your doctor if needed.
Practise skills: Use relaxation and assertiveness techniques.
Understanding
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised. It can affect work, school, and relationships, leading to avoidance and distress.
What does social anxiety feel like?
You may feel intense nervousness before or during social situations, worry about being embarrassed, or experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a racing heart. Avoiding social events or interactions is common.
How to overcome social anxiety with therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment, helping you challenge negative thoughts and gradually face feared situations. Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs may be prescribed for persistent symptoms. Support groups and self-help resources can also be helpful.
Through social anxiety counselling, you can:
Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about social situations
Practise social skills and exposure to feared events
Learn relaxation and coping techniques
Improve confidence and daily functioning
Step-by-step guide to managing social anxiety
Recognise triggers: Identify situations that cause anxiety.
Seek professional help: Consult a therapist experienced in social anxiety.
Engage in CBT: Work on exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Consider medication: Discuss options with your doctor if needed.
Practise skills: Use relaxation and assertiveness techniques.
Recommended
Recommended Therapists
Therapists
Click here to view all counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.
Click here to view all counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.
Gordon is a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a dedicated private practice in central Manchester, delivering over 5,000 sessions to individuals and couples. Offering both in-person and online therapy, Gordon provides a calm and reflective space to explore the complexity of human experience. His approach is thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s emotional world and life story.
More
£55.00 per session
£85.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Couples
Jane is a compassionate and experienced person-centred counsellor with over 1,800 sessions delivered and a track record of supporting more than 90 clients. Drawing on her own lived experience and a strong foundation in therapeutic practice, she creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore what’s holding them back, gain clarity, and work towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
£55.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Gordon is a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a dedicated private practice in central Manchester, delivering over 5,000 sessions to individuals and couples. Offering both in-person and online therapy, Gordon provides a calm and reflective space to explore the complexity of human experience. His approach is thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s emotional world and life story.
More
£55.00 per session
£85.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Couples
Jane is a compassionate and experienced person-centred counsellor with over 1,800 sessions delivered and a track record of supporting more than 90 clients. Drawing on her own lived experience and a strong foundation in therapeutic practice, she creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore what’s holding them back, gain clarity, and work towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
£55.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Gordon is a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a dedicated private practice in central Manchester, delivering over 5,000 sessions to individuals and couples. Offering both in-person and online therapy, Gordon provides a calm and reflective space to explore the complexity of human experience. His approach is thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s emotional world and life story.
More
£55.00 per session
£85.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Couples
Jane is a compassionate and experienced person-centred counsellor with over 1,800 sessions delivered and a track record of supporting more than 90 clients. Drawing on her own lived experience and a strong foundation in therapeutic practice, she creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore what’s holding them back, gain clarity, and work towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
£55.00 per session
Adults (18+)