Social Anxiety Therapy
GroundWork Specializes in CBT for Social Anxiety in Orlando
GroundWork offers in-person visits in CentraL Florida, and virtual sessions for clients residing in: Florida, Maine, Vermont, South Carolina & Montana

At Groundwork in Orlando we offer specialized, evidence-based CBT therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder. We provide both via in-person visits or virtual therapy to children, teens and adults struggling with social anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting roughly 15 million Americans. It can have a drastic impact on a person’s quality of life, as they may struggle with feelings of intense fear and anxiety in social situations.

Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) has a large impact on individuals’ lives. People with social anxiety become overwhelmed in social situations, often feeling anxiety and discomfort while interacting with others or even just being observed by others. Symptoms can include extreme self-consciousness and worry about embarrassing oneself, dread of social interactions, avoiding social gatherings, physical symptoms such as trembling or sweating profusely. The effects of social anxiety disorder can interfere with a person’s daily life, impeding their ability to work, attend school, and socialize. If left untreated it typically increases in severity.

Social anxiety can be successfully treated with a specific type of therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals to understand how their thought patterns and behaviors contribute to social anxiety, as well as identify and challenge negative thoughts. In addition, CBT teaches social skills such as initiating conversations with others or joining group activities. With the right treatment plan and support, those affected by social anxiety can successfully regain control of their lives.

Common symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder Include:

1. Avoidance of social situations, including work parties, gatherings, and dinners
2. Fears of saying the wrong thing (something embarrassing, wrong, or inappropriate)
3. Fear of being negatively judged by others
4. Fears of being ridiculed by others
5. Feeling anxious when meeting new people
6. Physical symptoms such as nausea, blushing, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and trembling
7. Difficulty making eye contact or speaking
8. School avoidance or refusal

Evidence-Based Therapy for Social Anxiety

Fortunately, Social Anxiety Disorder is highly treatable with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder includes a focus on challenging and changing unhelpful thought patterns. CBT helps individuals identify triggers of social anxiety and teaches skills for managing the disorder in a healthy way. CBT therapy includes cognitive restructuring (changing irrational thoughts into more rational ones) and exposure therapy. CBT also works to reduce avoidance behaviors associated with social anxiety by gradually exposing the individual to feared social situation. CBT has been found to be more effective than medication for treating social anxiety disorder and has been shown to provide long-term benefits.

At Groundwork we specialize in CBT treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder in both children and adults. Our team of experienced therapists are here to provide you with individualized care that is tailored to meet your specific needs. We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, which is why we strive to make the process easy and accessible. Let us help you take back control of your life so that you can start living again!

Finding The Right Help – CBT Therapy

It is important to interview your prospective therapist to find out if they are trained in CBT, and where they received their training. Some therapists are better at treating anxiety disorders than others. Their answers to your questions will be a good guide for you. You can begin by asking them about what types of techniques they use to treat anxiety. If the therapist doesn’t mention Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or if they are vague, use caution. Be cautious of therapists who say that they use CBT but who won’t be specific in their techniques, or mention techniques such as ‘breathing/relaxation’ as these are not part of true CBT treatment. Be sure to ask about your therapists training and background in treating anxiety. A positive sign would be membership of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, or a member of the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapists (ABCT). Look for therapists who have sought post-graduate specialized training or certification in CBT and can provide you information regarding where they received their  training.

Helpful Resources

School Refusal and Social Anxiety 

What is Social Anxiety & How Is It Treated? 

Self-Acceptance for Social Anxiety 

Perfectionism and Social Anxiety