Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant fear of social and performance situations where embarrassment might occur. This can be accompanied by an immediate anxiety response that often reaches the point of panic. 

Social Anxiety can cause disruptions in family relationships, work, and recreation. This disorder is usually treated with medication. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is effective in treating generalized anxiety and social anxiety. Calgary’s experienced team of therapists can help you fight and overcome the social anxiety issue.

Our Therapeutic Approaches

Here are the common signs of social anxiety disorder :

  • Hypersensitivity to criticism
  • Negative self-evaluation
  • Fear of rejection
  • Insufficient assertiveness skills
  • Undeveloped social skills

Many people suffering from Social Anxiety avoid social situations that they don't like. Sometimes, panic and anxiety can make it impossible to leave the house. Simple tasks like going to the supermarket can become extremely stressful.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which is psychological or cognitive in nature, works well for social anxiety. Hypersensitivity to criticism is an emotional process. It is not organic or biological. 

Cognitive restructuring is an option to treat hypersensitivity to criticism. This is part of CBT. Fear of rejection and negative self-evaluation are both cognitive processes. You can learn assertiveness skills that are more behavioral than cognitive. 

There are many books available and a lot of information on the subject. You can also learn social skills. All behavioral skills can be taught, but they are all cognitively related. This is because we consider our behavior and how it affects them.