NYC Anxiety Control - Learn How To Control Your Anxiety

Social Phobia Treatment

Social phobia is evident in about 2 % of the population and involves
the fear of being observed or evaluated by others, with a
corresponding desire to avoid humiliation or negative judgment.
The social phobic may feel uneasy in one or in many different
social or performance settings, including school, parties, public
speaking, dating, job interviews, etc. These situations are likely to
be avoided if possible. A social phobic will often ruminate
obsessively (predicting the worst) before engaging in social
interactions, and then ruminate afterwards regarding performance.
Social phobia is only diagnosed in those whose avoidance,
anxious anticipation, or distress regarding social contact interferes
significantly with a desired routine, work, or with social
situations/relations, or, if there is considerable distress about
having these fears.

Cognitive behavioral treatment for social phobia appears to be
quite effective. My work has a behavioral focus, with an emphasis
on practicing social behavior in real-world settings. Patients are
encouraged to take the risk of being embarrassed or of performing
badly, actively approaching, rather than avoiding life's challenges.
The quality of life that is restored is typically sufficient to ensure that
learned skills and a tolerance for social discomfort endure after
therapy comes to an end.

This short-term treatment includes:

		Social Skills Training - the skills to succeed,
		Relaxation Training - the ability to remain calm, and
		Exposure Therapy - the opportunity to practice social
		behavior.

The anxiety in social situations will decline as beliefs about
abilities change and the willingness to take chances increases.