- Do you experience fear when engaging with unfamiliar people?
- Does your public speaking fear limit your career and prevent you from a more fulfilling life?
- Do you tend to avoid any situation in which you might have to speak in front of others?
- Do you constantly worry about upcoming public speaking events or other social situations?
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is a common anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by significant fear or anxiety about meeting unfamiliar people, performing in front of others, or engaging in certain social situations. For example, some experience overwhelming fear when speaking in public or meeting new people. At worse, individuals may experience a panic attack when thinking about an upcoming event or when the event occurs. Anticipating a social situation can cause significant worry and anxiety, called anticipatory anxiety, and these feelings can actually feel worse than the anxiety felt during the situation.
Social anxiety typically occurs in childhood from an event that caused significant embarrassment and from one’s temperament, such as being socially inhibited. As a child, you may have been laughed at by other children, bullied, or scolded by an adult, which triggered neurological changes that ultimately led to social anxiety. Social anxiety arises between the ages of 8 and 15 for 75% of individuals. A typical coping mechanism is avoidance; however, although the avoidance may minimize your anxiety and fear, this behavior can exacerbate your social anxiety over time.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Fortunately, there are efficacious and enduring treatments for social anxiety. Psychological treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are especially effective in treating social anxiety.
You might consider mental health counseling and treatment if your social anxiety is negatively impacting your life and hindering you from reaching your potential. Dr. Mazzei, Health Psychologist, has worked with numerous individuals to help them overcome their social anxiety. She specializes in CBT, ACT, EMDR, hypnosis, and other helpful social phobia treatments. Within a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment, she will help you gain insight, develop effective and long-term coping skills, and improve your overall well-being.
How We Can Help
The best place to start is by speaking to our staff, who can discuss social anxiety disorder treatment, answer any questions about the process, and schedule a confidential appointment with Dr. Mazzei. Simply follow these simple steps:
- Text today at (480) 448-6755 or e-mail us for a free consultation
- Or, you can book directly online with Dr. Mazzei
- Begin your journey towards a fulfilling and healthier life
Dr. Mazzei offers both in-person counseling at her practice in Chandler, AZ, and teletherapy for online social anxiety treatment if you live in Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee, and from PSYPACT states. Her private practice is located at 3377 S. Price Rd., Suite 2104, Chandler, AZ.