Everyone has at one time or another felt nervous when interacting with another person and has felt shy in new or unfamiliar situations. As with most personality characteristics, shyness and social anxiety can range in intensity from fairly mild to completely overwhelming. Mild cases may include the normal anxiety that often accompanies public speaking, while severe cases may prevent the person from developing friendships, working, or being in public places.
Consequences of Shyness and Social Anxiety
Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships
Difficulty in basic forms of social interaction (asking for directions, returning an item at a store, etc)
Fear of initiating romantic relationships
Less than optimal academic achievement
Reduced likelihood of career advancement
Incorrect evaluations from others (e.g., people with social anxiety are often seen as being conceited)
Avoidance of enjoyable activities with other people
Poor self-esteem
Reluctance to express needs and as a consequence, reduced likelihood of have these needs met
Problems Associated with Social Anxiety
Panic attacks
Perfectionism
Depression
Body image problems
Substance abuse
Anger
Therapy for Social Anxiety
Therapy for shyness and social phobia can take many forms depending on the presenting problem and the therapist's approach. Common interventions include:
Gradually approaching feared situations as a part of exposure therapy until confidence is gained and the situations no longer produce excessive anxiety
Cognitive interventions to identify anxiety-provoking beliefs and replace them with healthier and more realistic appraisals
Communication and assertiveness training
If you or someone you know would like to receive help for dealing with shyness or social anxiety (and live in the Halifax area) please feel free to contact me to set up an initial consultation.
