Psychologist, PSY.D.
This is a persistent, high level of fear for a social or performance event. Often individuals are around unfamiliar people and perceive themselves as being criticized by others. The individual fears that they will embarrass or humiliate themselves. This could occur at a party, a presentation at work, talking on the phone, making a speech, participating in a workshop, meeting the parents of your child’s friends, or even attending church. A very common version of this, particularly for children, is school phobia. Often school phobia is complicated by bullying, fears of the parents’ safety, or learning deficits.