Social Anxiety/Social Phobia

We all feel nervous in front of others at some point. Whether we are talking in front of an audience, or to those we just met, we’ve all had that butterfly-in-the-stomach feeling. Luckily, it goes away and we are able to function again. But, what if that feeling gets worse, doesn’t go away, or comes around every time we have to communicate with others? In the case where someone experiences anxiety in social situations, may be Social Anxiety (previously called Social Phobia).

Symptoms include:

• A persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the individual fears that he or she will act in a way that will be embarrassing and humiliating.
  
• Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety.
  
• The person recognizes that this fear is unreasonable or excessive.
  
• The feared situations are avoided or else are endured with intense anxiety and distress.
  
• The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared social or performance situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine
  
• The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting 6 or more months.
  

David’s approach to treatment of Social Anxiety involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, teaching the affected person how to manage the anxiety that is holding them back. When working with children, David may also utilize play and art therapy techniques. Patients set goals for themselves to take steps toward their envisioned future.

Click here to contact David for more information and a free consultation.