Social Anxiety Therapy in Essendon & Moonee Ponds
Social anxiety is more than feeling shy or nervous before social events. It can involve intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, criticised or rejected, and may lead people to avoid social, work, study or performance situations.
Psychologists consulting at The Victorian Psychology Clinic provide social anxiety therapy for children, adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth. Support may be helpful for people who experience overthinking before or after social interactions, physical anxiety symptoms, avoidance, difficulty speaking up, or fear of being the centre of attention.
Social anxiety can affect confidence, relationships, study, work and day-to-day life. Therapy can help people better understand social anxiety patterns, reduce avoidance, build coping strategies and gradually develop confidence in social situations.
Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can show up in different ways, affecting thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviour.
Common signs may include:
- fear of being judged, criticised, rejected or humiliated
- worrying excessively before, during or after social situations
- avoiding conversations, phone calls, meetings, classes or social events
- finding it difficult to speak up, ask questions or express opinions
- physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, shaking, nausea or a racing heart
- overthinking what you said or did after an interaction
- feeling as though your mind goes blank when speaking to others
- relying on safety behaviours, such as rehearsing, avoiding eye contact or staying quiet
- difficulty forming friendships, dating, attending appointments or participating at work or school
Treatment and Support for Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is treatable, and therapy can help people understand what keeps anxiety going and develop confidence over time.
Support may focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts, reducing avoidance, building coping skills and gradually approaching social situations in a supported and manageable way. Therapy can also help people reduce self-criticism, manage physical anxiety symptoms and feel more confident communicating with others.
Psychologists consulting at VPC may draw on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, exposure-based strategies, mindfulness-based approaches, relaxation techniques and social skills or communication strategies where helpful.
For some people, medication may also form part of a broader care plan. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but where appropriate, psychologists consulting at VPC may work collaboratively with a GP, psychiatrist or other treating professionals involved in a person’s care.
How We Can Support You
Psychologists consulting at VPC provide supportive, evidence-based therapy for people experiencing social anxiety. Therapy is tailored to the person’s goals, whether they want to feel more comfortable in conversations, participate more confidently at work or study, build relationships, or reduce avoidance.
Therapy may help with:
- understanding social anxiety triggers and patterns
- reducing overthinking and self-criticism
- managing physical symptoms of anxiety
- building confidence in social, work or study situations
- practising communication and assertiveness skills
- gradually approaching feared situations in a manageable way
- reducing avoidance and safety behaviours over time
