Social anxiety and phobias

What is it?

Social anxiety is an intense and lasting fear of being judged negatively, embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. Everyday situations such as speaking in public, meeting new people, eating in company or speaking up in a meeting can become a real struggle.

Phobias are intense fears of a specific object or situation that are out of proportion to the actual danger. Heights, flying, enclosed spaces, animals, blood or needles are some examples. With both social anxiety and phobias, people often know their fear is excessive, yet knowing this is not enough to ease it, and avoidance can gradually narrow their life.

Common signs

Intense embarrassment, blushing, trembling or sweating in social settings
Avoiding speaking, eye contact or drawing attention
Strong worry that starts days before an event
Replaying what happened afterwards and being harshly self critical
Sudden, intense fear when facing certain objects or situations
Changing work, school or travel plans to avoid the feared situation

These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.

How can therapy help?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches often used with social anxiety and phobias. Noticing the thoughts that feed the fear, testing them with a more balanced view, and approaching feared situations step by step, at a pace you feel ready for, can be part of this process. No step is forced; we set the pace together.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy makes room to understand how the fear of judgement and feelings of shame may be linked to past experiences, especially early relationships. Together, these approaches can help with both coping with current symptoms and understanding the deeper sources of anxiety.

Approaches I use in this area

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy

An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.

When is extra support needed?

If anxiety keeps you from leaving the house, going to work or school, or if you notice you are turning to alcohol or substances to cope, it may help to see a psychiatrist. If symptoms are very intense, a psychiatric referral can help assess whether medication may be useful. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call 112.

Frequently asked questions

Is social anxiety the same as shyness?

Shyness can be a temperament trait and usually does not limit life in a serious way. In social anxiety, the fear is stronger, lasts longer and clearly affects work, school or relationships. We can look at the difference together.

Do I have to face my phobia?

Gradually approaching feared situations helps many people, but this always happens with your agreement and at a pace you feel ready for. First we focus on understanding the fear and building ways to cope with it.

Can online sessions help with social anxiety?

For some people, online sessions can be an easier first step. Moving to in person sessions later on can also be discussed as an option.

Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.