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Social anxiety
Private social anxiety treatment in London
Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is a common and debilitating mental health condition that can significantly impact a person's life.
People with social anxiety experience intense fear and anxiety in social situations, such as meeting new people, giving presentations, or eating in public.
What is social anxiety?
It's perfectly normal to feel a little uneasy in some social circumstances. You might get the feeling of butterflies in your stomach before important events like dates or presentations at work. However, if you have a social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, normal social interactions can make you feel extremely anxious, self-conscious, and embarrassed because you worry that other people will judge you or look at you harshly.
Social anxiety disorder is defined as an overwhelming, long-lasting fear triggered by social situations. Many people worry about social situations but having social anxiety disorder results in you feeling exceedingly worried before, during and after the event, disproportionate to the level of worry necessary for the situation. Social anxiety often occurs at a very early stage – mostly as early as puberty.
This fear can lead to avoidance of social situations to the point where they isolate themselves, and as a result, feel increasing anxiety and low mood. This can have a negative impact on relationships, work, and school.
It's important to note that the symptoms of social anxiety can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. The severity of the symptoms can also change over time.
Physical symptoms of social anxiety can include:
Blushing
Sweating
Trembling
Rapid heart rate
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
Behavioural symptoms of social anxiety can include:
Avoiding social situations
Avoiding eye contact
Speaking in a quiet voice
Fidgeting
Stammering
Avoiding certain activities, such as eating in public or giving presentations
Psychological symptoms of social anxiety can include:
Fear of being judged or evaluated negatively
Worry about embarrassing or humiliating oneself
Low self-esteem
Feeling self-conscious
Feeling tense or anxious in social situations
Social anxiety can have a significant impact on everyday life. People with social anxiety may avoid social situations altogether, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. They may also have difficulty at work or school, and they may find it difficult to maintain relationships.
If you are concerned that you may have social anxiety, it's important to talk to a specialist. Learning to be socially confident can be challenging, especially if you have let it influence your life choices to a great extent. Our social anxiety specialists in London can help you assess your symptoms and determine if you have social anxiety. If you do have social anxiety disorder, they can recommend the best treatment options for social anxiety that are suitable for you.
If you need support with social anxiety, please reach out to our caring team in London today. We have appointments available in as little as 24 hours so you can begin treatment with minimal wait.
To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire at any time to suit you.
We provide specialist social anxiety treatment at our private clinic in London
At Schoen Clinic, we offer specialised therapy for social anxiety, which includes both individual and group therapy. The aim of the treatment is for you to learn how to deal better with your social anxiety.
Our social anxiety specialists will work with you to set the pace of change and the goals for increasing your coping skills. In the best case, you will no longer feel socially anxious and completely at ease.
Depending on the severity of your social anxiety and your ability to manage group therapy and individual social anxiety counselling, we will agree on a programme of treatment and therapy.
For some people working in groups may be the first step to learning new skills. The groups are supportive and understand social anxiety with others in the group able to relate to these experiences.
For those who would benefit from a comprehensive day treatment programme for social anxiety, we offer a specialised treatment programme for adults with mental health conditions.
We understand that social anxiety can be a challenging condition to live with. Our team of experienced therapists is here to help you overcome your fear and anxiety and live a full and fulfilling life. We will ensure you have a full weekly review to make sure you are getting the most out of the programme and work to reduce your days with us as soon as possible.
What are some of the most effective therapies for the treatment of social anxiety?
We provide the following therapies and interventions. These may be delivered on a 1:1 or group basis by members of our specialist multidisciplinary team.
Individual therapy
Specialised group therapy
Skills development groups
Exposure as a central element
A combination of some or all of the above
One-to-one therapy and counselling for social anxiety:
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer individual counselling and therapy for social anxiety. Our specialists use a variety of evidence-based approaches, including psychotherapy and CBT, to help you overcome your fear and anxiety.
Psychotherapy is a type of talking therapy that can help you understand your social anxiety and develop coping mechanisms. During psychotherapy, you will work with your therapist to explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to your social anxiety. You will also learn how to manage your anxiety and build your confidence in social situations.
CBT is a type of therapy that helps you change the way you think about and react to social situations. During CBT, you will work with your therapist to identify your negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations. You will then learn how to challenge these thoughts and beliefs and develop more positive and realistic ways of thinking. You will also learn how to gradually expose yourself to feared social situations in a safe and controlled environment.
Group therapy for social anxiety:
In group therapy, you will work with a therapist and other people who are also struggling with social anxiety. You will learn about social anxiety and how to manage your symptoms. You will also have the opportunity to practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Group therapy can help you to feel less alone. When you are in a group with other people who are also struggling with social anxiety, you can see that you are not the only one who is experiencing these feelings. This can help to reduce your feelings of shame and isolation.
In group therapy, you will learn about social anxiety and how to manage your symptoms. You will also have the opportunity to practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment. This can help you to feel more confident in social situations.
You will also be able to connect with other people who understand what you are going through. This can provide you with a sense of community and support.
Exposure therapy for social anxiety:
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer exposure therapy for social anxiety. Our therapists are experts in this type of therapy and are committed to helping you overcome your fear and anxiety. We offer a confidential and supportive environment where you can work on your recovery at your own pace.
How exposure therapy works: Exposure therapy works by gradually exposing you to the things you fear in a safe and controlled environment. For example, if you are afraid of public speaking, you might start by giving a short speech to your therapist in a private room. As you become more comfortable, you might then give a speech to a small group of friends or family members. Eventually, you might even give a speech in front of a large audience.
The benefits of exposure therapy: Exposure therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating social anxiety. Exposure therapy can help you:
Learn that your fears are not as bad as you think they are.
Develop coping mechanisms for dealing with your anxiety.
Increase your confidence in social situations.
Getting a medical diagnosis for social anxiety in London
If you think you may have social anxiety disorder, it is important to see a specialist for a professional diagnosis. Our team can help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and help you develop a treatment plan.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we have a variety of specialists who can help you get a diagnosis for social anxiety disorder. These specialists include psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. They will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family history. They may also give you a physical exam and psychological tests.
It's important to remember that self-diagnosis is not enough. A professional diagnosis can help you get the treatment you need. The best treatment for social anxiety disorder will vary depending on the individual and their unique circumstances.
Expected social anxiety treatment timeline
The timeline of treatment for social anxiety disorder can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. However, in general, treatment typically lasts for several months. The first step in treatment is to receive a diagnosis from a social anxiety specialist. Once you have been diagnosed, your therapist will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Treatment for social anxiety disorder typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy can help you to understand your anxiety and develop coping mechanisms. Medication can help to reduce your anxiety symptoms.
Therapy sessions are typically held once or twice per week. The number of therapy sessions you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your progress in treatment.
The expected prognosis for social anxiety disorder is good. With treatment, most people are able to manage their symptoms and live a full and productive life.
Our social anxiety specialists in London are here to support you
Our multidisciplinary team specialises and has extensive experience in the treatment of social anxiety, so you can rest assured you're in the safest hands. Backed by years of experience in counselling, specialist social anxiety therapy techniques, and tried and tested approaches to treatment, our compassionate team are dedicated to setting you on the road to recovery.
