The essential feature of social anxiety is a marked and persistent fear of social and/or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur. Sufferers find the fear so intense that they retreat from any situations where they may be forced to confront it. If they are unable to avoid the situation they experience the anxiety as debilitating – often leaving them lost for words.
Sufferers often believe that other people are significantly more competent in social or performance situations and tend to be highly critical of their performances in this arena. When in challenging situations they often feel as if everyone is watching them and can see how frightened and incompetent they are.
Social Phobia affects between 3 and 10% of the population.
At Counselling & Therapy Associates we offer a range of treatments for Social Phobia and Social Anxiety. To book a session with one of our therapists, simply Click Here.