I support individuals in managing and overcoming the challenges associated with excessive fear and discomfort in social situations. I aim to provide a safe and empathetic environment for clients to explore the root causes of their social anxiety, understand its impact on their lives, and develop effective strategies for coping and thriving.
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselors
Anxiety is a state of feeling afraid of a future, unknown, or ambiguous threat. It is often characterized by certain physiological symptoms, along with doubt concerning the nature of the threat and our ability to handle it. Some anxiety is a normal part of life. In fact, it is necessary for our survival and peak performance. After all, the anxiety you feel before an interview or a performance can motivate you to be prepared, vigilant, and focused. However, if anxiety persists beyond the threat or challenge, it begins to lose its benefits. An unhealthy level of anxiety can paralyze you and leave you unable to function in the most basic tasks. If your anxiety is persisting and getting worse, this could qualify as an anxiety disorder, and you should consider counseling for anxiety.
Social anxiety is often best treated with a combination of psychotherapy (incorporating CBT and behavioral models) and medication (such as a non addictive beta blocker).
Marriage and Family Therapist, Woodland Counseling
Social Anxiety is more than just shyness. Are you extremely afraid of being judged by others? Are you very self-conscious in everyday social situations? Do you avoid meeting new people? If you have been feeling this way for at least six months and these feelings make it hard for you to do everyday tasks—such as talking to people at work or school—you may have a social anxiety disorder. I will partner with you to treat your social anxiety. Treatments include CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) depending on what works best for you. Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Although sometimes dismissed as shyness, social anxiety disorder can cause crippling fear that interferes with school attendance, work performance, and relationships. It affects about 7% of Americans in any given year, and about 12% at some point in their lives.
You're already there. You've almost arrived at healing. By coming to this page you've already conquered a fear. Let's conquer more. My focus is to provide a supportive and understanding space where you can explore the roots of your anxiety and develop effective coping strategies. We will navigate together the intricacies of social interactions, addressing fears and building resilience. My approach blends empathy with practical tools, empowering you to challenge negative thought patterns and carefully expand your comfort zones. You are ready to break free from the constraints of social anxiety, I am here to offer compassionate guidance and collaborate with you on your journey towards greater self-assurance and social ease.
Do you worry about saying just the *right* thing on a first date? Do you replay conversations you had with co-workers or your partner and beat yourself up because you didn't say something perfectly? Do you feel like you have to rehearse over and over what you're going to say before you say it so that person doesn't reject you or think you're an idiot? These are all common indicators of social anxiety and they don't have to keep ruling your life. It is possible to let go of needing to show up perfectly in conversations and not beat yourself up. Let me show you how!
Social anxiety feels devastating. The constant fear of judgement, worrying that others can see that you are anxious, and the frustrating physical symptoms (pounding heart, trembling, sweating, or blushing) can be enough to make you feel hopeless, maybe even depressed. Let's explore how your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions interact to power your social anxiety. You CAN learn to interact with your anxiety in a more productive way. I believe that every individual struggling with social anxiety can learn to re-engage in their lives and reduce the impact that it has on their relationships and self-esteem.
I have a passion for helping clients manage their social anxiety - so that they can live more fulfilling, authentic, and happy lives. Many of my clients have stated that coming to therapy has helped to catapult them out of their stagnation - enabling them to reach their full potential. For clients who have had difficulty finding a therapist who can understand their complex and intersecting identities, I can be a breath of fresh air. I work with folks ages 15 and up.
2 Years Experience
