For many people, shyness leads to avoiding social events and interactions and keeps them from engaging in activities that they may feel uncertain about. Generally, the key to overcoming shyness and the fear of being judged is to push through the uncomfortable feelings. Therapy can help you to create a plan to gradually overcome fears associated with feeling judged or nervous in social situations. We can work together to set small achievable, realistic goals to offer you the opportunity to gain comfort in social situations. By facing anxiousness this way you can, at your own pace, ease into becoming comfortable doing things you used to avoid.
As a Registered Psychotherapist and Recreation Therapist, I specialize in treating a wide range of anxiety disorders including social anxiety and phobias. Through the use of supportive, client-centered approaches, I can help you with practical, effective, and meaningful solutions to social anxiety that will move you toward greater confidence in all areas of your life.
Anxiety loves a mystery. 'What is somebody else thinking about me?' is a great mystery that social anxiety fills in with all the worst endings. Working with social anxiety we can disconnect from the constant guessing, hiding and freezing to allow you to live more freely in the world with everybody else.
Feeling anxious, fear, over conscious, want to avoid people, gatherings and when it moves to a level, you feel stressed and it negatively effects your day-to-day life at work or school, at work or a playground means you may be experiencing social anxiety.
Do you find it hard, or unbearable, to think about or take part in socializing? Are you scared of what others think of you? Let's work together to find the root of this anxiety and provide you with tools to feel empowered.
My approach is grounded in authenticity, trust, and often humour. I believe you have the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges and I strive to help empower you to facilitate change in therapy. Exploring your social anxiety in therapy can help identify how anxiety is manifesting itself and work to minimize the disruptive patterns it provokes in your life. I work with individuals, couples, children and families offering a free consultation to ensure we are a good fit. I carry a systemic lens, exploring the way culture, community and family shape our experiences and aspirations. I am committed to strength-based and anti-oppressive practice in my work. I recognize the importance and responsibility I have as a therapist, to address the systemic inequalities impacting clients in their lives.
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BA
Do you find yourself worrying about what others think of you, or avoiding social situations? Do you hold a belief that you're just not good enough, or that you don't fit in? Do you experience tension or heart rate increases, maybe your face goes blush around others? Let's talk about that - Get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation today.