In the US, 3.3 million people are diagnosed with social anxiety every year. It stretches far beyond the nervous giggles and awkwardness shown in media. It is a debilitating mental health concern that can trap you in a life of boundaries. While these boundaries make you feel safe, they also are limiting. You deserve a life free from social anxiety, a life where you can be yourself, explore who you are, and find new passions. No one deserves to live with social anxiety, and with a Thriveworks The Woodlands social anxiety counselor, you don’t have to!
For more information, or to schedule a session today, give Thriveworks in The Woodlands a call at 281-667-9790.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety triggered by social situations. These social situations can be specific (like big crowds or eating in front of someone) or it could be broad (like interacting with people outside your close friend/family group). One thing Thriveworks The Woodlands wants to make super clear is that social anxiety is never a personal flaw. It’s not the result of being weak or cowardly. Social anxiety is a very real mental health concern that is the product of many internal and external factors, never your fault, but always your choice to fight against. Thriveworks The Woodlands is here to give you the support and tools you need to win that fight.
Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder
If you recognize any of the below symptoms in yourself or a loved one, social anxiety counselors might be for you:
- Avoiding situations in which you know you’ll have to interact with other people
- “re-watching” an interaction in your head and picking apart what you did wrong
- Expecting the worse to happen in a relationship or social situation
- Upset stomach or nausea, especially as a social situation nears or during one
- Trembling and sweating
- Feeling like your mind has gone blank
In addition, it might be especially difficult for you to endure some of these common situations:
- Entering a room in which everyone is already seated
- Eating in front of people
- Starting a conversation
- Eye contact
- Using a public restroom
- Returning items to a store.
Social anxiety can be debilitating, but it is also beatable. You deserve to experience all the wonderful thing life has to offer without the fear of anxiety around every corner. Thriveworks The Woodlands is excited to begin that journey with you.
What Does Counseling for Social Anxiety Look Like?
Every person’s anxiety is going to look different. Triggers, coping mechanisms, and external factors are individualized to you. This is why Thriveworks The Woodlands utilizes a client-centered and individualized treatment plan. Everyone’s social anxiety looks different, so everyone’s’ counseling looks a little different too. This is your life, and we want to best adapt our expertise to fit it.
Managing social anxiety is a multi-step process. A few of the techniques we might use include:
- Uncovering negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, true thoughts
- Exposure therapy- facing that worst-case scenario in a controlled environment and working with a counselor to step yourself down from anxiety
- Discovering the root cause for anxiety and working to undo its mental effects
- Building up your confidence in your social skills
Scheduling Social Anxiety Disorder Counseling at Thriveworks in The Woodlands
Who you are is not determined on your social anxiety? You have worth, power, and a future all on your own. Overcoming social anxiety is meant to increase the joy and freedom you feel in your day-to-day life, and to help you accomplish any dreams you’ve set for yourself.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Thriveworks in The Woodlands social anxiety counseling today, give us a call at 281-667-9790. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and accept most major insurances. Contact us today to get started.
