Best Treatment for Social Anxiety: Advice From an Anxiety Therapist in Sugar Land, TX
When you leave the house, do you feel like you are constantly on display?... Like all eyes are on you, watching you, judging you. Is your mind repeatedly replaying your conversations with people because you're stressed and said the wrong thing? Do you leave a room feeling fearful that people noticed something wrong about your appearance, or did you make some horrible social faux pas?
Have you noticed that you avoid meeting new people for fear of being awkward or rejected? If any of these things are true and you have noticed that these things have been on your mind for over six months, you may be suffering from Social Anxiety. Fortunately, anxiety therapy in Sugar Land, TX can provide the tools and support needed to overcome these feelings—read on to learn how.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is when a person experiences extensive worry about being scrutinized, inspected, or judged by others. I once worked with a client who would only go to the grocery store at 10 pm at night to avoid seeing people they knew and knowing that they could use the self-checkout because they were so overwhelmed at the idea of speaking with another person. Another person stayed in a wrong relationship far past its expiration date because of her fear of dating and having to establish new friends.
For another guy, it was taking hits on his grades because he could not participate in class. When you are socially anxious about everyday things, even the smallest of things such as eating or drinking in front of others or excusing yourself to use the bathroom could cause you to experience extreme distress and fear about what other people are thinking about you.
According to the National Institute of Health, "Social anxiety disorder usually starts during late childhood and may resemble extreme shyness or avoidance of situations or social interactions. It occurs more frequently in females than males, and this gender difference is more pronounced in adolescents and young adults. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can last for many years, or even a lifetime".
Who Can Help Me With My Social Anxiety?
When you are dealing with Anxiety, everything takes extra effort. You are exhausted, feel defeated, and everything feels heavy. Trying to find the right person to help can feel like another daunting, overwhelming task. The prospect of having to have phone calls with counselors to ask about openings over and over again, the consults where you have to re-hash your life to each therapist… It is a lot, but it does not have to be.
When you call Southern Pine Counseling, you speak directly with a licensed mental health professional (LCSW, LMSW, or LPC). At Southern Pine Counseling, our primary focus is on Anxiety and stress-related disorders. This is our main focus; it is what we see every day. When it comes to anxiety treatment, this matters.
We see people like you all day, every day. We understand what your experience is, and we know many techniques to help you overcome your Anxiety. Our skilled anxiety therapists are here to provide you with the relief and comfort you need to get back on track to being yourself again and becoming the person you want to be.
Do I Need a Doctor's Referral To Be Seen at Southern Pine Counseling?
You do not need a doctor's referral to be seen at Southern Pine Counseling. You have the freedom to make appointments on your own, taking control of your journey to recovery. We are licensed talk therapists. We do not prescribe medications; instead, we take a holistic approach to helping you overcome your anxieties. In some cases, we may refer you to a psychiatrist for further help with managing your anxiety. Still, we would partner with you to explore that during our sessions if you were interested.
What Type of Therapy is Best to Treat Social Anxiety?
CBT is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety disorder. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of social anxiety. As well as improving the overall quality of life for individuals living with this condition. With CBT, there is hope for a brighter future, as it focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to social anxiety, helping individuals develop more adaptive coping strategies.
How Does CBT Treat Social Anxiety?
One of the key components of CBT for social anxiety disorder is exposure therapy. This involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to feared social situations in a controlled and supportive environment. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn that their feared outcomes are unlikely, reducing anxiety over time.
Cognitive restructuring is another important aspect of CBT for social anxiety disorder. This involves identifying and challenging distorted thought patterns related to social situations. By examining and reframing these thoughts, individuals can learn to approach social interactions with a more balanced and realistic outlook, reducing their anxiety and discomfort.
CBT equips individuals with practical skills and techniques to manage their anxiety in social situations. This may include learning relaxation strategies, effective communication skills, and methods for coping with physical symptoms of anxiety. By acquiring these tools, individuals can feel more empowered and confident in social settings.
Cope With Your Social Anxiety With Anxiety Therapy in Sugar Land, TX
If social anxiety is holding you back, know that relief is within reach. At Southern Pine Counseling, we specialize in helping people just like you find confidence and calm in social situations. Take your first step toward freedom from anxiety with anxiety therapy—our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if Anxiety Therapy is right for you.
Begin meeting with me, Alyssia Anderson, a skilled anxiety therapist.
Start managing your social anxiety!
Additional Counseling Services at Southern Pine Counseling
At Southern Pine Counseling, I offer a range of specialized services designed to support women on their mental health journeys. Along with anxiety therapy to help you develop effective coping tools, I provide trauma therapy focused on empowering you to regain control, reduce symptoms, and improve overall well-being for a more fulfilling life. My services also include therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, perfectionism, and navigating major life transitions, such as divorce, relocation, starting a new job, or considering a career change. For more details on our approach, please explore my blog.
