Unlocking Confidence: Three Powerful Strategies for Overcoming Social Anxiety
Would you like to overcome your social anxiety? As the holiday season approaches, do you find yourself dreading the prospect of family gatherings and the questions that come with them? Perhaps you’ve been avoiding phone calls and social events, but the idea of being alone looms large. Like many forms of anxiety, avoiding situations to evade anxiety only serves to intensify the apprehension.
If you’re in Sherman Oaks and struggling with social anxiety, there’s help available. Consider reaching out to a Social Anxiety Therapist Near Sherman Oaks who can provide support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Social anxiety is often characterized by the fear of judgment, potential humiliation, and embarrassment, and the concern that one cannot handle it. Worries may include, “Am I coming across as dull?” “Is what I’m saying sounding stupid?”, or “What if I run out of topics to discuss?”. For those grappling with social anxiety, working with teams, public speaking, engaging in social outings, dating, and practically most unstructured activities can be highly discomforting. Despite the desire to make connections and build friendships, the overwhelming discomfort often leads to avoidance.
Though it sounds counterintuitive, one must engage in social activities in order to work through the fear. A less intimidating starting point includes greeting strangers, seeking directions from them, or reconnecting with former colleagues, acquaintances, or friends.
The following are three practical strategies to initiate this week:
1- Invite an acquaintance to participate in structured activities such as playing games, watching movies or painting. Unstructured time such as a 1-2 hour lunch can feel overwhelming to some.
2- When enjoying an activity you love, introduce yourself to someone and discuss shared interests. For instance, at a game night, engage in a conversation about your favorite game.
3- Consider joining a social anxiety support group to address your fears in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a platform where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Step out of your comfort zone and confront your social anxiety. You can conquer your fears!
Avedian Counseling Center offers a weekly Cognitive Behavioral based (CBT) social anxiety support group at the Sherman Oaks location. The group is led by therapists specializing in social anxiety. The 6-month program empowers participants to venture beyond their comfort zones and navigate the discomfort associated with social settings with the guidance of our experienced Social Anxiety Therapist Near Sherman Oaks.
Anita Avedian, LMFT, is the President of Avedian Counseling Center, located in Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, and Glendale. She is very passionate about helping folks struggling with social anxiety and developed a 6-month program to help individuals conquer their fears. With 24+ years of therapy experience, including working with couples and individuals, Anita is seasoned in her work. Contact Avedian Counseling Center to learn more about our social anxiety support group at (818) 383-1399. https://avediancounselingcenter.com/
